CVC 21457(b)Eligible for written declaration

Failure to Use Caution at Flashing Yellow Signal

Proceeding through an intersection or past a flashing yellow signal without caution.

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 Failure to Use Caution at Flashing Yellow Signal ticket?

CVC 21457(b) says that when a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes (a flashing yellow caution signal), a driver may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(b) Flashing yellow (caution signal): When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, a driver may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving and faced a yellow lens illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes
2You proceeded through the intersection or past the signal without caution

Arguments Commonly Raised for Failure to Use Caution at Flashing Yellow Signal

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

You proceeded with caution

CVC 21457(b) allows a driver to proceed through the intersection or past a flashing yellow signal with caution. Describe your speed, what you saw, and how you went through.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out the traffic and conditions at the intersection when you went through
✗Not photographing the signal and the intersection

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21457(b) — Failure to Use Caution at Flashing Yellow Signal. Proceeding through an intersection or past a flashing yellow signal without caution.

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(b). 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 Failure to Use Caution at Flashing Yellow Signal

Do I have to stop at a flashing yellow light?▼

CVC 21457(b) says a driver may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution. It does not say the driver must stop.

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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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