CVC 21750Eligible for written declaration

Unsafe Passing on Left

Overtaking a vehicle going the same direction without passing to its left at a safe distance, or in a way that interferes with its safe operation.

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 Unsafe Passing on Left ticket?

CVC 21750(a) says the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle, subject to the limitations and exceptions in that article of the Vehicle Code.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle, subject to the limitations and exceptions set forth in this article. (b) This section shall become operative on September 16, 2014.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction
2You did not pass to the left at a safe distance, or you interfered with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle

Arguments Commonly Raised for Unsafe Passing on Left

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

Safe distance

CVC 21750(a) requires passing to the left at a safe distance. Describe the space between the vehicles during the pass.

No interference

The section requires passing without interfering with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle. Describe what the other vehicle did during and after your pass.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out the space between the vehicles during the pass
✗Not describing what the other vehicle did

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21750 — Unsafe Passing on Left. Overtaking a vehicle going the same direction without passing to its left at a safe distance, or in a way that interferes with its safe operation.

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 21750. 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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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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