Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade
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.
What is a Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade ticket?
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.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1Your vehicle's gears were in neutral or the clutch was disengaged
- 2You were on a downgrade
How Drivers Get This Ticket
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.
Common Defenses for Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade
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.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Dashcam footage showing the road grade or your gear indicator
- ✓GPS data or photos proving the road was flat or uphill
- ✓Mechanic's report documenting transmission problems
- ✓Witness statements about road conditions or your driving
- ✓Vehicle maintenance records showing pre-existing transmission issues
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Admitting you were coasting to save gas — this confirms the violation
- ✗Ignoring the ticket and missing your court deadline
- ✗Assuming you can't fight the ticket because the officer saw you
- ✗Paying the fine without considering traffic school to mask the point
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Frequently Asked Questions About Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade
Why is coasting in neutral illegal in California?▼
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.
Does this law apply to electric or hybrid vehicles?▼
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.
Can I fight this ticket if the hill was barely noticeable?▼
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.
What if I was only in neutral for a few seconds?▼
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.
Will my insurance company find out about this ticket?▼
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.