CVC 21651(a)Eligible for written declaration

Crossing the Dividing Section of a Divided Highway

Driving over, upon, or across the dividing section of a divided highway, or making a left, semicircular or U-turn across it other than through an opening in the barrier designated for vehicles or a plainly marked opening in the dividing section. Driving on the wrong side of the divider is a different offense, a misdemeanor under 21651(b).

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 Crossing the Dividing Section of a Divided Highway ticket?

CVC 21651(a) says that whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by intermittent barriers or by a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful (1) to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section, or (2) to make any left, semicircular, or U-turn with the vehicle on the divided highway, except through an opening in the barrier designated and intended by public authorities for the use of vehicles or through a plainly marked opening in the dividing section.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful to do either of the following: (1) To drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section. (2) To make any left, semicircular, or U-turn with the vehicle on the divided highway, except through an opening in the barrier designated and intended by public authorities for the use of vehicles or through a plainly marked opening in the dividing section.

What the Officer Must Prove

1The highway was divided into two or more roadways by intermittent barriers or by a dividing section not less than two feet wide, unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings
2You drove over, upon, or across the dividing section, or made a left, semicircular, or U-turn on the divided highway other than through a designated opening in the barrier or a plainly marked opening in the dividing section

Arguments Commonly Raised for Crossing the Dividing Section of a Divided Highway

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

The dividing section

CVC 21651(a) applies to intermittent barriers or a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings. If the road where you were did not have one, describe it and include photos.

An opening for vehicles

A turn is allowed through an opening in the barrier designated and intended by public authorities for the use of vehicles, or through a plainly marked opening in the dividing section. Describe where you turned.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the dividing section, its markings and any openings
✗Leaving out where exactly you crossed or turned

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21651(a) — Crossing the Dividing Section of a Divided Highway. Driving over, upon, or across the dividing section of a divided highway, or making a left, semicircular or U-turn across it other than through an opening in the barrier designated for vehicles or a plainly marked opening in the dividing section. Driving on the wrong side of the divider is a different offense, a misdemeanor under 21651(b).

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 21651(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 Crossing the Dividing Section of a Divided Highway

What counts as a divided highway under CVC 21651(a)?▼

A highway divided into two or more roadways by intermittent barriers or by a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway.

🏫

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.