CVC 21650.1Eligible for written declaration

Bicycle Riding Against Traffic

Operating a bicycle on a roadway, or on the shoulder of a highway, in a direction other than the one vehicles are required to drive there.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $193DMV Points: None

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 Bicycle Riding Against Traffic ticket?

CVC 21650.1 says a bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You operated a bicycle on a roadway or the shoulder of a highway
2You were not riding in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway

Arguments Commonly Raised for Bicycle Riding Against Traffic

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

Your direction of travel

CVC 21650.1 requires riding in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway. If you were riding that direction, describe your route.

Where you were riding

The section applies on a roadway or the shoulder of a highway. If you were somewhere else, such as a separate path, describe where.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the road, lane markings and any signs
✗Leaving out where you were riding and in which direction

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21650.1 — Bicycle Riding Against Traffic. Operating a bicycle on a roadway, or on the shoulder of a highway, in a direction other than the one vehicles are required to drive there.

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 21650.1. 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 Bicycle Riding Against Traffic

Which way must I ride my bicycle?▼

CVC 21650.1 says a bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder of a highway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway.

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Related Violations

CVC 21200(a)CVC 21202(a)