Disobeying Traffic Officer
Failing to comply with a lawful order or hand signal given by a peace officer directing traffic.
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 Disobeying Traffic Officer ticket?
This violation means you failed to follow a direct order or signal from a police officer, parking enforcement officer, or other authorized traffic control personnel. This typically happens when an officer is manually directing traffic and you don't stop, go, or turn as instructed.
A conviction results in a fine between $238 and $490, plus 1 point on your DMV record. That point stays for 3 years and can increase your insurance rates by 15-25% annually, potentially costing over $1,000 in added premiums.
Without traffic school, the 1 DMV point will likely appear on your driving record and be visible to insurance companies. Expect rate increases of 15-25% for up to 3 years, which can add $500-$1,500 or more to your total insurance costs.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1A traffic officer gave a clear, unambiguous direction
- 2You failed or refused to comply with the direction
- 3You had a reasonable opportunity to comply
How Drivers Get This Ticket
A police officer is directing traffic at a busy intersection due to a malfunctioning signal. You proceed through when the officer has their hand up signaling stop.
Cited for disobeying traffic officer under CVC 21100(b).
A parking enforcement officer directs you to keep moving from a loading zone, but you remain parked while waiting for someone.
May be cited for failing to obey the officer's direction.
At an accident scene, an officer waves you to take a detour, but you attempt to drive straight through the blocked area.
Ticket issued for disobeying the officer's traffic control directions.
You're in heavy traffic and an officer signals your lane to proceed, but you hesitate and miss the signal because you were looking at your phone.
Could be cited for failure to obey, though officer discretion may apply.
Common Defenses for Disobeying Traffic Officer
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Officer's direction was ambiguous
CVC 21100(b) requires compliance with a traffic officer's signals and directions. Challenge whether the officer's gesture was clear and unambiguous, and whether you had a reasonable opportunity to comply.
You complied with the direction given
If you interpreted the officer's signal differently and acted accordingly, a good-faith misunderstanding may be relevant.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Dashcam footage showing unclear signals or obstructed view of the officer
- ✓Photographs of the intersection showing visibility issues or obstructions
- ✓Witness statements from passengers confirming confusing signals
- ✓Evidence of traffic conditions that made compliance difficult or dangerous
- ✓Documentation showing the officer was not clearly identifiable as such
- ✓Video evidence showing the officer was directing a different vehicle
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Arguing with the officer at the scene — this can escalate the situation and be used against you
- ✗Admitting in your written declaration that you saw the officer's signal but chose to ignore it
- ✗Claiming you didn't see the officer if evidence clearly shows they were visible
- ✗Missing your court deadline, which results in additional penalties and a failure to appear charge
- ✗Paying the ticket without considering traffic school or contesting it first
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Frequently Asked Questions About Disobeying Traffic Officer
What counts as a 'traffic officer' under this law?▼
This includes police officers, highway patrol, parking enforcement officers, and other authorized personnel like crossing guards or construction zone flaggers when directing traffic. They must be lawfully authorized to control traffic at that location.
What if the officer's signals conflicted with the traffic light?▼
Under California law, a traffic officer's directions override traffic signals and signs. However, if this created genuine confusion, you may argue the conflicting signals made compliance unclear.
Can I get this ticket dismissed if the officer doesn't appear in court?▼
For a Trial by Written Declaration, the officer submits written testimony, so their physical presence isn't required. If they fail to submit their declaration, the case may be dismissed, but this isn't guaranteed.
Will this violation affect my commercial driver's license?▼
Yes, this violation will appear on your CDL record and may affect your employment. Commercial drivers should seriously consider contesting the ticket or consulting with a traffic attorney.
What if I was following directions from my GPS instead of the officer?▼
GPS directions do not excuse failing to obey a traffic officer. The officer's live directions always take precedence over electronic navigation systems.
Traffic School Option
Most drivers cited for CVC 21100(b) are eligible for traffic school if they haven't attended in the past 18 months. Completing traffic school masks the point from your insurance company, though you still pay the fine.
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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.