CVC 21655(b)Eligible for written declaration

Truck or Trailer Bus Not in the Required Lane

A trailer bus or other vehicle subject to Vehicle Code 22406 not driving in the lane designated by signs or, where no lane is designated, in the right-hand lane or another lane the section allows.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: check your notice or your court's bail scheduleDMV Points: 1🏫 Traffic School Eligible

Insurance: insurers must weigh your driving safety record first (Insurance Code 1861.02(a)), and more than one point 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 Truck or Trailer Bus Not in the Required Lane ticket?

CVC 21655(b) says any trailer bus, except as provided in Section 21655.5, and any vehicle subject to Section 22406 shall be driven in the lane or lanes designated under subdivision (a) whenever signs have been erected giving notice of that designation. When no lane has been designated, those vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right edge or curb; on a divided highway with four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, they may also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of that right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited. When overtaking and passing another vehicle going the same direction, the driver shall use the designated lane, the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane as permitted under the code. The subdivision does not apply to a driver who is preparing for a left- or right-hand turn, who is entering into or exiting from a highway, or who must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on the intended route. Subdivision (a) lets the Department of Transportation or local authorities designate those lanes after an engineering and traffic investigation, with signs at reasonable intervals.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(b) Any trailer bus, except as provided in Section 21655.5, and any vehicle subject to the provisions of Section 22406 shall be driven in the lane or lanes designated pursuant to subdivision (a) whenever signs have been erected giving notice of that designation. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, when a specific lane or lanes have not been so designated, any of those vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right edge or curb. If, however, a specific lane or lanes have not been designated on a divided highway having four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, any of those vehicles may also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of that right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited under this code. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either the designated lane, the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane for traffic as permitted under this code. This subdivision does not apply to a driver who is preparing for a left- or right-hand turn or who is entering into or exiting from a highway or to a driver who must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on his or her intended route.

What the Officer Must Prove

1Your vehicle was a trailer bus or a vehicle subject to Section 22406
2Where signs had been erected giving notice of a lane designated under CVC 21655(a), you did not drive in the designated lane or lanes; or, where no lane was designated, you did not drive in the right-hand lane, as close as practicable to the right edge or curb, or in another lane CVC 21655(b) allows
3You were not preparing for a turn, entering or exiting a highway, or necessarily driving in another lane to continue on your intended route

Arguments Commonly Raised for Truck or Trailer Bus Not in the Required Lane

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

Your vehicle

The rule applies to a trailer bus or a vehicle subject to Section 22406. Describe your vehicle and anything it was towing.

Signs giving notice

The designated-lane rule in CVC 21655(b) applies whenever signs have been erected giving notice of the designation. Describe the signs on your route and include photos.

Turning, entering or exiting, or your route

CVC 21655(b) does not apply to a driver who is preparing for a left- or right-hand turn, who is entering into or exiting from a highway, or who must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on the intended route.

Passing

When overtaking and passing, CVC 21655(b) lets the driver use the designated lane, the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane as permitted under the code.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the lane signs on your route
✗Leaving out what vehicle you were driving and what it was towing

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21655(b) — Truck or Trailer Bus Not in the Required Lane. A trailer bus or other vehicle subject to Vehicle Code 22406 not driving in the lane designated by signs or, where no lane is designated, in the right-hand lane or another lane the section allows.

This is a fixed-rule section: it describes a specific act or limit. Disputes under sections like this usually turn on the facts — what happened, where, and how it was observed or measured.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21655(b). 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 Truck or Trailer Bus Not in the Required Lane

Who has to use a lane designated under CVC 21655?▼

CVC 21655(b) says any trailer bus, except as provided in Section 21655.5, and any vehicle subject to Section 22406 shall be driven in the designated lane or lanes whenever signs have been erected giving notice of the designation.

What if no lane is designated?▼

CVC 21655(b) says those vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right edge or curb; on a divided highway with four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, they may also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of that right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited.

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Traffic School Option

A conviction adds 1 DMV point. Traffic school may be available to keep the point off your public record, but not for a violation in a commercial motor vehicle (Vehicle Code 42005(c)(1)). Check your notice or your court's website for your options.

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