Operating a motor vehicle with the gears in neutral or the clutch disengaged while descending a grade.
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 shift your vehicle into neutral and coast down a hill or slope while driving. California law requires drivers to keep their vehicle in gear when going downhill to maintain full control of the vehicle at all times.
A CVC 21710 ticket costs approximately $238 to $350 and adds 1 point to your DMV record. That point stays for 3 years and can increase your insurance rates by 15-25% annually, costing you hundreds of dollars over time.
One point on your record typically increases insurance premiums by 15-25% for three years. For many drivers, this means paying $300-$900 extra in insurance costs on top of the fine itself.
A driver shifts into neutral going down a mountain road to save gas, and an officer observes the vehicle accelerating without engine noise.
Ticket issued because coasting in neutral on any downgrade is prohibited regardless of the driver's intent to save fuel.
A driver's transmission malfunctions, forcing the vehicle out of gear while descending a hill, and they safely pull over.
May have a valid defense if they can document the mechanical failure with repair records.
A driver in a manual transmission vehicle accidentally pops out of gear on a steep hill and immediately puts it back in gear.
Momentary, unintentional disengagement with immediate correction may be defensible as not willful coasting.
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Vehicle was not in neutral
CVC 21710 prohibits coasting (engine disengaged from drivetrain) on a downgrade. Challenge whether your vehicle was actually in neutral or disengaged, as opposed to engine braking in gear.
Automated transmission — no "neutral" coasting
Modern automatic transmissions do not typically allow intentional neutral coasting in the manner contemplated by this statute.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
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Coasting in neutral reduces your control over the vehicle because you lose engine braking and the ability to accelerate quickly. On downgrades, this makes it harder to slow down and respond to emergencies, which is why California specifically prohibits it.
Yes, CVC 21710 applies to all motor vehicles regardless of power source. Even though electric vehicles handle differently, the law requires keeping them in a drive gear while descending hills.
Possibly. The law requires a 'downgrade,' and if the slope was so minimal it wouldn't affect vehicle control, you may argue the statute doesn't apply. Photos or elevation data of the location can support this defense.
The law doesn't specify a minimum duration. However, a brief, unintentional slip out of gear that you immediately corrected may be more defensible than sustained coasting. The circumstances and your response matter.
If you pay the fine without traffic school, the point goes on your record and insurers will see it at renewal. Completing traffic school keeps the point confidential from insurance companies.
Traffic School Option
Most drivers cited for CVC 21710 are eligible for traffic school if they haven't attended in the past 18 months. Completing traffic school prevents the point from appearing on your public driving record and protects your insurance rates.
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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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