CVC 21455Eligible for written declaration

Disobeying a Traffic Signal Away From an Intersection

Not obeying an official traffic control signal placed somewhere other than an intersection, including a freeway or highway on ramp, or not stopping at the sign, crosswalk or limit line that marks the stop (or at the signal if there is none).

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $234DMV 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 Disobeying a Traffic Signal Away From an Intersection ticket?

CVC 21455 says that if an official traffic control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, including a freeway or highway on ramp, the article on traffic signals applies, except those provisions that by their nature can have no application. A required stop shall be made at a sign, crosswalk, or limit line indicating where the stop shall be made, but, in the absence of that sign or marking, the stop shall be made at the signal.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

If an official traffic control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, including a freeway or highway on ramp, this article applies, except those provisions that by their nature can have no application. A stop required shall be made at a sign, crosswalk, or limit line indicating where the stop shall be made, but, in the absence of that sign or marking, the stop shall be made at the signal.

What the Officer Must Prove

1An official traffic control signal was erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, such as an on ramp
2The signal required you to stop
3You did not stop at the sign, crosswalk, or limit line indicating where to stop, or, without that sign or marking, at the signal

Arguments Commonly Raised for Disobeying a Traffic Signal Away From an Intersection

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

Where you stopped

CVC 21455 says the stop is made at a sign, crosswalk, or limit line indicating where to stop, or, in the absence of that sign or marking, at the signal. Describe where you stopped.

What the signal showed

Describe what the signal showed as you approached and include photos.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the signal and any stop markings
✗Leaving out what the signal showed when you reached it

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21455 — Disobeying a Traffic Signal Away From an Intersection. Not obeying an official traffic control signal placed somewhere other than an intersection, including a freeway or highway on ramp, or not stopping at the sign, crosswalk or limit line that marks the stop (or at the signal if there is none).

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21455. 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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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 21461(a)CVC 21453(a)