CVC 21654(a)Eligible for written declaration

Slower Vehicle Not Keeping Right

Driving slower than the normal speed of traffic without using the right-hand lane or staying as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when passing or preparing for a left turn.

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 Slower Vehicle Not Keeping Right ticket?

CVC 21654(a) says that, notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits, any vehicle proceeding upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) Notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits, any vehicle proceeding upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time
2You were not in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb
3You were not overtaking and passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn

Arguments Commonly Raised for Slower Vehicle Not Keeping Right

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

Passing

CVC 21654(a) does not apply when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

Preparing for a left turn

CVC 21654(a) does not apply when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

Your speed compared with traffic

The rule applies to a vehicle going slower than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time. Describe the traffic around you.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out that you were passing or preparing for a left turn, if you were
✗Not describing the speed of the traffic around you

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21654(a) — Slower Vehicle Not Keeping Right. Driving slower than the normal speed of traffic without using the right-hand lane or staying as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when passing or preparing for a left turn.

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 21654(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 Slower Vehicle Not Keeping Right

Does CVC 21654(a) apply if I am driving the speed limit?▼

CVC 21654(a) applies, notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits, to a vehicle going slower than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time.

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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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