CVC 21453(c)Eligible for written declaration

Entering Intersection on Steady Red Arrow

Entering an intersection to make the movement shown by a steady red arrow, or not stopping and remaining stopped as the section requires until a signal permits the movement.

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 Entering Intersection on Steady Red Arrow ticket?

CVC 21453(c) says a driver facing a steady red arrow signal shall not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow. Unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, the driver shall stop at a clearly 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 permitting movement is shown.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(c) A driver facing a steady red arrow signal shall not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow and, unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, shall stop at a clearly 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 permitting movement is shown.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving and faced a steady red arrow signal
2You entered the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow, or, unless making a movement another signal permitted, you did not stop at the limit line (or the other point the section names) and remain stopped until an indication permitting movement was shown

Arguments Commonly Raised for Entering Intersection on Steady Red Arrow

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

Another signal permitted your movement

CVC 21453(c) does not require the stop when the driver is entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal. Describe all the signals you faced and the movement you made.

The movement you made

The section prohibits entering to make the movement indicated by the red arrow. If your movement was a different one, describe it.

What the signal showed

Describe what the arrow showed when you reached the limit line or crosswalk, and include photos of the signal.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the signals and lane markings at the intersection
✗Leaving out which movement you made and which signal applied to it

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21453(c) — Entering Intersection on Steady Red Arrow. Entering an intersection to make the movement shown by a steady red arrow, or not stopping and remaining stopped as the section requires until a signal permits the movement.

This is a fixed-rule section: it describes a specific act or limit. The question is whether the facts show that act: what happened, where, and how it was observed or measured.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21453(c). 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 Entering Intersection on Steady Red Arrow

Can I turn right on a red arrow after stopping?▼

CVC 21453(c) says a driver facing a steady red arrow signal shall not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow, and shall remain stopped until an indication permitting movement is shown.

🏫

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.

Ready to prepare your documents?

Upload your citation and TicketClear prepares your Trial by Written Declaration documents from the details you provide. Just $49.99 for any eligible California ticket.

Check if my ticket qualifies

Takes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.