CVC 21461(a)Eligible for written declaration

Disobeying a Traffic Sign or Signal

Not obeying a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official.

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 Sign or Signal ticket?

CVC 21461(a) says it is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a Department of Transportation approved supplement to that manual of a regulatory nature, erected or maintained to enhance traffic safety and operations or to indicate and carry out the provisions of the Vehicle Code or a local traffic ordinance or resolution, or to fail to obey a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) It is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a Department of Transportation approved supplement to that manual of a regulatory nature erected or maintained to enhance traffic safety and operations or to indicate and carry out the provisions of this code or a local traffic ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to a local traffic ordinance, or to fail to obey a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving a vehicle
2A sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (or an approved state supplement), or a device erected or maintained by lawful authority, applied to you
3You did not obey it

Arguments Commonly Raised for Disobeying a Traffic Sign or Signal

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

Regulatory sign or lawful device

CVC 21461(a) covers signs or signals defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices or an approved supplement, and devices erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official. Describe the sign and include photos.

What you did

Describe what the sign directed and what you did.

A stopping or parking rule

CVC 21461(b) says subdivision (a) does not apply to acts that are violations under Chapter 9 (the stopping, standing and parking rules, starting with Section 22500) or under a local ordinance adopted under that chapter. If the sign was a stopping or parking sign, say so.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the sign from your approach
✗Leaving out what the sign said

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21461(a) — Disobeying a Traffic Sign or Signal. Not obeying a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21461(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.

🏫

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.

Ready to prepare your documents?

Upload your citation and TicketClear prepares your Trial by Written Declaration documents from the details you provide. Just $49.99 for any eligible California ticket.

Check if my ticket qualifies

Takes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.

Related Violations

CVC 21453(a)CVC 22450(a)