CVC 21453(a)Eligible for written declaration

Red Light Violation

Not stopping at the limit line (or, if none, before the crosswalk or the intersection) when facing a steady circular red signal, or not remaining stopped until a signal to proceed is shown.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $486DMV Points: 1🏫 Traffic school may be available

Insurance: insurers must weigh your driving safety record first (Insurance Code 1861.02(a)), and more than one violation point counted under Vehicle Code 12810(a) to (d), (f), (i)(1) or (j) in the previous three years ends Good Driver Discount eligibility (Insurance Code 1861.025(b)(1)).

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 Red Light Violation ticket?

CVC 21453(a) says a driver facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown, except as provided in subdivision (b), which allows a right turn (or a left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street) after stopping, unless a sign prohibits it.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) A driver facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown, except as provided in subdivision (b).

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving and faced a steady circular red signal alone
2You did not stop at the marked limit line, or if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side, or if none, before entering the intersection, or did not remain stopped until an indication to proceed was shown
3Your movement was not a turn allowed by CVC 21453(b)

Arguments Commonly Raised for Red Light Violation

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

What the signal showed when you reached the line

CVC 21453(a) applies to a driver facing a steady circular red signal. Describe what the signal showed as you reached the limit line or crosswalk.

Where you stopped

The section sets the stopping point: a marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side, or if none, before entering the intersection. Describe where you stopped.

A turn allowed by subdivision (b)

CVC 21453(b) allows a right turn, or a left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street, after stopping, unless a sign prohibits it, and with the yielding it requires.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the signal, limit line and crosswalk from your approach
✗Leaving out what the signal showed when you reached the limit line

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21453(a) — Red Light Violation. Not stopping at the limit line (or, if none, before the crosswalk or the intersection) when facing a steady circular red signal, or not remaining stopped until a signal to proceed is shown.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21453(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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Violation

Where must I stop at a red light?▼

CVC 21453(a) says at a marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection.

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Traffic School Option

A conviction adds 1 DMV point. The court may let you complete traffic school. If it is the only ticket you have done traffic school for in 18 months, the record is kept confidential and no point is counted (Vehicle Code 1808.7(a)). Traffic school is not available for a violation in a commercial motor vehicle (Vehicle Code 42005(c)(1)). If you hold a commercial driver license, the record is not kept confidential (Vehicle Code 1808.7(b)). Check your notice or your court's website for your options.

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Related Violations

CVC 21453(c)