CVC 16020(a)Eligible for written declaration

No Proof of Financial Responsibility (Insurance)

A driver or owner of a motor vehicle not being able to establish financial responsibility under Vehicle Code 16021, or not carrying evidence of it in the vehicle.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $486DMV Points: None

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.

What is a No Proof of Financial Responsibility (Insurance) ticket?

CVC 16020(a) says all drivers and all owners of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility under Section 16021, and shall at all times carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for the vehicle. Under 16020(b), evidence of financial responsibility includes a form issued by an insurance company or charitable risk pool as specified by the DMV, a certificate of self-insurance or assignment of deposit letter issued by the DMV, an insurance covering note or binder, and a showing that the vehicle is owned or leased by, or under the direction of, the United States or a public entity.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) All drivers and all owners of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility pursuant to Section 16021, and shall at all times carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for the vehicle.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were a driver or owner of a motor vehicle
2You could not establish financial responsibility under Section 16021, or did not carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for the vehicle

Arguments Commonly Raised for No Proof of Financial Responsibility (Insurance)

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

Coverage in effect

If financial responsibility was in effect for the vehicle on the citation date, include the insurance card or policy showing it. CVC 16020(a) also requires carrying evidence of it in the vehicle, so say whether you had that evidence with you.

Other forms of evidence

CVC 16020(b) lists other forms of evidence, such as a DMV certificate of self-insurance, an insurance covering note or binder, or a showing that the vehicle is owned or leased by a public entity. Under 16020(d)(1), evidence also includes the name of the insurance company and the policy number in effect at the time, if that information is in the DMV's vehicle registration records.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not keeping proof that coverage was in effect on the citation date
✗Not keeping an insurance card in the vehicle

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 16020(a) — No Proof of Financial Responsibility (Insurance). A driver or owner of a motor vehicle not being able to establish financial responsibility under Vehicle Code 16021, or not carrying evidence of it in the vehicle.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 16020(a). It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

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Related Violations

CVC 16028(a)