CVC 21701Eligible for written declaration

Interfering with Driver or Mechanism

Willfully interfering with the driver of a vehicle, or with the vehicle's mechanism, in a way that affects the driver's control of the vehicle.

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 Interfering with Driver or Mechanism ticket?

CVC 21701 says no person shall wilfully interfere with the driver of a vehicle or with the mechanism of the vehicle in a manner that affects the driver's control of the vehicle. It does not apply to a DMV driver's license examiner or other DMV employee conducting a road or driving test, or to a person giving instruction as part of a driver training course conducted by a public school, an educational institution, or a driver training school licensed by the DMV.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

No person shall wilfully interfere with the driver of a vehicle or with the mechanism thereof in such manner as to affect the driver’s control of the vehicle. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a drivers’ license examiner or other employee of the Department of Motor Vehicles when conducting the road or driving test of an applicant for a driver’s license nor to a person giving instruction as a part of a course in driver training conducted by a public school, educational institution or a driver training school licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You interfered with the driver of a vehicle or with the vehicle's mechanism
2You did so wilfully
3The interference affected the driver's control of the vehicle

Arguments Commonly Raised for Interfering with Driver or Mechanism

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

Not wilful

CVC 21701 applies to wilful interference. Describe what happened and why.

Control not affected

The section applies to interference in a manner that affects the driver's control of the vehicle. Describe whether the driver's control changed.

Driving test or driver training

The section does not apply to a DMV examiner or employee conducting a road or driving test, or to a person giving instruction in a driver training course conducted by a public school, an educational institution, or a DMV-licensed driver training school.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out what you did and why
✗Not listing other people who saw what happened

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21701 — Interfering with Driver or Mechanism. Willfully interfering with the driver of a vehicle, or with the vehicle's mechanism, in a way that affects the driver's control of the vehicle.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 21701. 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 Interfering with Driver or Mechanism

Does CVC 21701 apply to a driving instructor?▼

Not to a person giving instruction as part of a driver training course conducted by a public school, an educational institution, or a driver training school licensed by the DMV, or to a DMV examiner conducting a driving test. Other instructors are not exempt.

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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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