CVC 21710Eligible for written declaration

Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade

Coasting with the vehicle's gears in neutral while traveling on a downgrade on a highway.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $234DMV Points: None

No DMV point: Vehicle Code 12810(i)(2) gives a CVC 21710 conviction no point, and the 2026 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules list it at 0.

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 Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade ticket?

CVC 21710 says the driver of a motor vehicle traveling on a down grade upon any highway shall not coast with the gears of the vehicle in neutral.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

The driver of a motor vehicle when traveling on down grade upon any highway shall not coast with the gears of such vehicle in neutral.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving a motor vehicle on a down grade upon a highway
2You coasted with the gears of the vehicle in neutral

Arguments Commonly Raised for Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade

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

Not in neutral

If your vehicle was in gear, describe it.

Not a down grade

CVC 21710 applies when traveling on a down grade. Describe the road and include photos.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Assuming the ticket adds a DMV point: a CVC 21710 conviction adds none (Vehicle Code 12810(i)(2))
✗Leaving out what gear the vehicle was in

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21710 — Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade. Coasting with the vehicle's gears in neutral while traveling on a downgrade on a highway.

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 21710. 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.

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