Disobeying Traffic Control Device
Failing to stop or yield when directed by an official traffic control device at an intersection.
Stays on record 3 years
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 Control Device ticket?
CVC 21455 requires drivers to obey traffic control devices like signals, signs, and barriers that are placed somewhere other than at a regular intersection. This applies to situations like railroad crossings, construction zones, or mid-block pedestrian signals. If you fail to follow these devices, you can be cited for this violation.
A CVC 21455 ticket typically costs between $238 and $490 after court fees and assessments. You'll also receive 1 point on your DMV record, which can increase your insurance rates by 15-25% for the next three to five years.
A CVC 21455 conviction adds 1 point to your record, which insurers typically view as a minor moving violation. Expect insurance rate increases of 15-25% that can last three to five years, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to your annual premium.
What the Law Says
When an official traffic control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this article shall be applicable except those provisions which by their nature can have no application.
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1An official traffic control device was present at the location
- 2The device was properly erected and maintained by authorities
- 3The device was functioning correctly at the time of the alleged violation
- 4The driver failed to obey the instructions given by the device
- 5The device was visible and its meaning was clear to approaching drivers
How Drivers Get This Ticket
A driver proceeded through a flashing red signal at a mid-block pedestrian crossing because they didn't see any pedestrians.
Cited for CVC 21455 because the signal required a complete stop regardless of pedestrian presence.
A motorist drove around a lowered railroad crossing gate because they thought the train had passed.
Received a ticket for failing to obey the traffic control device protecting the crossing.
A driver passed through a construction zone signal that had malfunctioned and was showing red for over five minutes with no opposing traffic.
Successfully contested the ticket by documenting the signal malfunction with dashcam footage.
Common Defenses for Disobeying Traffic Control Device
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Traffic device was malfunctioning
If the signal or device was not working properly—stuck on one color, flashing erratically, or completely dark—you may not have had a clear indication of what was required. Document the malfunction if possible.
Device was obscured or not visible
Traffic control devices must be clearly visible to approaching drivers. If vegetation, parked vehicles, or other obstructions blocked your view of the device, this may serve as a valid defense.
Conflicting or confusing signals
When multiple devices give contradictory instructions or the signage is unclear, drivers cannot reasonably be expected to comply. Photos or witness statements can support this defense.
Device was not properly maintained or authorized
Official traffic control devices must be erected and maintained by proper authorities. If the device lacked official markings or was improperly placed, it may not meet legal requirements.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Dashcam footage showing the device's condition or visibility issues
- ✓Photos of the location showing obstructed views or confusing signage
- ✓Witness statements from passengers or other drivers
- ✓Weather reports if visibility was impaired
- ✓Maintenance records or complaints about the device from local authorities
- ✓Documentation of reported malfunctions to city or county traffic departments
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Admitting you saw the device but chose to ignore it because no one was around
- ✗Arguing the device seemed unnecessary without addressing its legal requirements
- ✗Failing to document the scene or device condition immediately after the incident
- ✗Missing deadlines to respond to your ticket or request a hearing
- ✗Assuming the officer won't appear at your hearing and not preparing a defense
Get a personalized summary
Optionally describe your situation — road conditions, time of day, officer position — and get a tailored document preparation overview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disobeying Traffic Control Device
What counts as a traffic control device under CVC 21455?▼
Traffic control devices include signals, signs, pavement markings, barriers, and electronic message boards that regulate traffic. Under CVC 21455, this specifically applies to devices placed at locations other than intersections, like railroad crossings, construction zones, or mid-block pedestrian crossings.
How is CVC 21455 different from running a red light at an intersection?▼
CVC 21455 applies to traffic control devices located outside of regular intersections, while running a red light at an intersection is typically charged under CVC 21453. The penalties are similar, but the specific circumstances and defenses may differ.
Can I fight this ticket if I didn't see the traffic control device?▼
Possibly. If the device was genuinely obscured by vegetation, another vehicle, or poor placement, this could be a valid defense. However, simply not paying attention is not a defense—you must show the device was not reasonably visible.
What if the traffic signal was stuck on red and never changed?▼
A malfunctioning signal can be a valid defense. California law expects signals to operate properly. Document the malfunction, report it to local authorities, and gather any evidence like dashcam footage or witness statements to support your case.
Traffic School Option
Most drivers cited for CVC 21455 can attend traffic school to mask the point from their record, provided they haven't attended within the past 18 months and meet court eligibility requirements.
Ready to prepare your defense documents?
Upload your citation and TicketClear generates a personalized Trial by Written Declaration based on your specific situation. Starting at $49.99.
Check if my ticket qualifiesTakes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.
Related Violations
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.