CVC 21663Eligible for written declaration

Driving on Sidewalk

Driving or moving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk, except as necessary to enter or leave adjacent property or where the Vehicle Code expressly permits it.

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 Driving on Sidewalk ticket?

CVC 21663 says that, except as expressly permitted by the Vehicle Code, including Sections 21100.4 and 21114.5, no person shall operate or move a motor vehicle upon a sidewalk except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

Except as expressly permitted pursuant to this code, including Sections 21100.4 and 21114.5, no person shall operate or move a motor vehicle upon a sidewalk except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You operated or moved a motor vehicle upon a sidewalk
2It was not necessary to enter or leave adjacent property, and no other Vehicle Code provision expressly permitted it

Arguments Commonly Raised for Driving on Sidewalk

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

Entering or leaving adjacent property

CVC 21663 allows operating or moving a motor vehicle upon a sidewalk as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. Describe where you were going.

Not on a sidewalk

If your vehicle was not upon a sidewalk, describe where it was and include photos.

Another section permitted it

The section does not apply where the Vehicle Code expressly permits it, including Sections 21100.4 and 21114.5.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the sidewalk, driveway and curb
✗Leaving out where you were going

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21663 — Driving on Sidewalk. Driving or moving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk, except as necessary to enter or leave adjacent property or where the Vehicle Code expressly permits it.

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 21663. 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 Driving on Sidewalk

Can I drive across a sidewalk to reach a driveway?▼

CVC 21663 allows operating or moving a motor vehicle upon a sidewalk as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property.

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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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