CVC 21457(a)Eligible for written declaration

Disobeying Flashing Red Signal

Not stopping at a flashing red signal at the limit line, before the crosswalk, or at the point nearest the intersecting roadway with a view of approaching traffic, or proceeding other than under the rules that apply after a stop at a stop sign.

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 Disobeying Flashing Red Signal ticket?

CVC 21457(a) says that when a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes (a flashing red stop signal), a 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 at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. The driver may then proceed subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) Flashing red (stop signal): When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, a 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 at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it, and the driver may proceed subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving and faced a red lens illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes
2You did not stop at a clearly marked limit line, or if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where you had a view of approaching traffic before entering it

Arguments Commonly Raised for Disobeying Flashing Red Signal

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

Where you stopped

CVC 21457(a) sets the stopping point: a clearly marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic before entering it. Describe where you stopped.

What the signal showed

The section applies to a red lens illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes. Describe what the signal showed as you approached.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the limit line, crosswalk and signal at the intersection
✗Leaving out where exactly you stopped

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21457(a) — Disobeying Flashing Red Signal. Not stopping at a flashing red signal at the limit line, before the crosswalk, or at the point nearest the intersecting roadway with a view of approaching traffic, or proceeding other than under the rules that apply after a stop at a stop sign.

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 21457(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 Disobeying Flashing Red Signal

Is a flashing red light like a stop sign?▼

CVC 21457(a) says that after stopping at a flashing red signal, the driver may proceed subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

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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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