Driving on the wrong side of a divided highway that is separated by a barrier, dividing section, or clearly marked dividing line.
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.
This violation occurs when you drive on the wrong side of a divided highway, meaning you crossed over a physical barrier, median, or dividing section to travel against the flow of traffic. This is considered a serious safety violation because it creates head-on collision risks with vehicles traveling in the correct direction.
Fines typically range from $238 to $490 depending on county fees. You'll receive 1 point on your DMV record that stays for 3 years, which can increase your insurance rates by 15-25% annually. This violation can also be charged as reckless driving in severe cases.
A CVC 21651(a) conviction typically raises auto insurance premiums by 15-25% for three years. The violation signals risky driving behavior to insurers, making traffic school or successfully fighting the ticket valuable options to protect your rates.
A driver makes a U-turn across a raised center median to enter a shopping center on the opposite side of the highway.
Cited for CVC 21651(a) for crossing a divided highway barrier.
A driver enters a divided highway from a side street and accidentally turns left into oncoming traffic lanes.
Cited for wrong-way driving, though may have defense if signage was inadequate.
A driver briefly crosses double-double yellow lines to pass a stopped delivery truck on a divided roadway.
Cited for CVC 21651(a), even though the crossing was brief.
A driver uses an emergency vehicle crossover on the freeway to make a U-turn after missing their exit.
Cited for driving on the wrong side of a divided highway; emergency crossovers are not for public use.
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
No physical or official divider
CVC 21651(a) prohibits driving on the wrong side of a divided highway. If the "divider" was ambiguous (faded markings, unmarked median), challenge whether it constituted a legal divider under the statute.
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A divided highway is any road with a physical barrier, raised median, unpaved center section, or double-double yellow lines separating traffic traveling in opposite directions. It doesn't have to be a freeway—many surface streets qualify as divided highways.
No, wrong-way driving on a one-way street is typically cited under CVC 21657. CVC 21651(a) specifically covers crossing over or driving on the wrong side of a divided highway with a physical separation.
Yes, if the wrong-way driving endangered others or was especially egregious, officers may add a CVC 23103 reckless driving charge. This is more common in DUI-related wrong-way incidents or near-collisions.
The point remains on your DMV record for 3 years from the violation date. The conviction itself may appear on background checks for longer, but the point impact on your license and insurance is limited to 3 years.
Legal U-turns must be made at designated locations without crossing physical barriers or medians. If you crossed a raised median or barrier, even briefly, you may still be cited. However, if the U-turn location was improperly marked, this could support your defense.
Traffic School Option
Most drivers cited for CVC 21651(a) are eligible for traffic school if they haven't attended in the past 18 months and hold a valid non-commercial license. Completing traffic school masks the point from your insurance company.
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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.
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