CVC 21460Eligible for written declaration

Double Yellow Line Violation

Driving to the left of double parallel solid yellow lines, or crossing double parallel solid white lines, except as the section permits.

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 Double Yellow Line Violation ticket?

CVC 21460(a) says that if double parallel solid yellow lines are in place, a person driving a vehicle shall not drive to the left of the lines, except as permitted in the section. Under 21460(b), a driver shall not cross any part of double parallel solid white lines, except as permitted in the section or Section 21655.8. Under 21460(c), where one of the double lines is broken, a driver on the side with the broken line may cross or drive to the left of the lines when overtaking or passing, and as provided in Section 21460.5. Under 21460(d), these markings do not prohibit crossing when turning left at an intersection or into or out of a driveway or private road, or making a U-turn under the rules governing that turn, and they are disregarded where authorized signs designate offcenter traffic lanes under Section 21657.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) If double parallel solid yellow lines are in place, a person driving a vehicle shall not drive to the left of the lines, except as permitted in this section. (b) If double parallel solid white lines are in place, a person driving a vehicle shall not cross any part of those double solid white lines, except as permitted in this section or Section 21655.8. (c) If the double parallel lines, one of which is broken, are in place, a person driving a vehicle shall not drive to the left of the lines, except as follows: (1) If the driver is on the side of the roadway in which the broken line is in place, the driver may cross over the double lines or drive to the left of the double lines when overtaking or passing other vehicles. (2) As provided in Section 21460.5. (d) The markings as specified in subdivision (a), (b), or (c) do not prohibit a driver from crossing the marking if (1) turning to the left at an intersection or into or out of a driveway or private road, or (2) making a U-turn under the rules governing that turn, and the markings shall be disregarded when authorized signs have been erected designating offcenter traffic lanes as permitted pursuant to Section 21657. (e) Raised pavement markers may be used to simulate painted lines described in this section if the markers are placed in accordance with standards established by the Department of Transportation.

What the Officer Must Prove

1Double parallel solid yellow lines were in place (or double solid white lines, or double lines with one broken)
2You drove to the left of, or crossed, the lines in a way the section does not permit

Arguments Commonly Raised for Double Yellow Line Violation

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

Turning left or a U-turn

CVC 21460(d) says the markings do not prohibit crossing when turning left at an intersection or into or out of a driveway or private road, or making a U-turn under the rules governing that turn. Describe the turn you made.

Broken line on your side

CVC 21460(c)(1) says a driver on the side with the broken line may cross or drive to the left of the double lines when overtaking or passing other vehicles.

Offcenter lanes

The markings are disregarded when authorized signs have been erected designating offcenter traffic lanes under Section 21657.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the lane markings where you crossed
✗Leaving out the turn or pass you were making

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21460 — Double Yellow Line Violation. Driving to the left of double parallel solid yellow lines, or crossing double parallel solid white lines, except as the section permits.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21460. 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 Double Yellow Line Violation

Can I cross double yellow lines to turn left into a driveway?▼

Yes. CVC 21460(d) says the markings do not prohibit a driver from crossing them when turning to the left at an intersection or into or out of a driveway or private road, or making a U-turn under the rules governing that turn.

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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 21658(a)CVC 21461(a)