Overtaking another vehicle on the left when it is not safe or not permitted to do so under road conditions.
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.
CVC 21750 requires drivers to pass other vehicles on the left side only when it's safe to do so with sufficient clearance. This violation is issued when a driver attempts to pass another vehicle on the left without ensuring the road ahead is clear and the pass can be completed safely.
This ticket costs between $238 and $490 in total fines and fees, adds 1 point to your DMV record, and will likely increase your car insurance rates by 15-25% for the next 3-5 years. One point may seem minor, but it stays on your record and can combine with other violations to threaten your license.
A CVC 21750 conviction typically raises insurance premiums by 15-25% for 3-5 years. This one point can cost you $500-$1,500 in additional premiums over time, making it worth fighting or attending traffic school to keep it off your record.
A driver on a two-lane highway starts passing a slow-moving truck but has to cut back in abruptly when oncoming traffic appears.
Cited for CVC 21750 because the pass was initiated without sufficient clearance from oncoming vehicles.
A motorist passes a vehicle on a rural road where sight distance was limited by a hill, forcing the passed vehicle to brake.
Ticket issued for unsafe passing as the driver couldn't verify the road was clear before beginning the maneuver.
Driver passes a slower car on a wide, straight road with clear visibility and no oncoming traffic, but is stopped anyway.
Strong case for dismissal since all safety requirements were met and the pass was completed properly.
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Overtaking was safe
CVC 21750 requires safe passing at a safe distance. Challenge whether the specific maneuver created actual danger — document the distance maintained, speeds, and sight conditions.
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A pass is considered unsafe when there isn't enough visible clearance from oncoming traffic to complete the maneuver without interfering with other vehicles. The law requires you to be able to see far enough ahead to ensure safety before beginning the pass.
No, CVC 21750 addresses passing unsafely regardless of whether passing is allowed. Passing in marked no-passing zones is a separate violation under CVC 21752. You could theoretically receive both citations for a single incident.
Yes. If you completed the pass without incident, you may argue the maneuver was actually safe despite the officer's assessment. Evidence like dashcam footage showing clear conditions can support this defense.
A CVC 21750 conviction adds points to your CDL record and could impact your employment. Commercial drivers typically cannot attend traffic school to mask points, making it especially important to contest the citation.
The speed of the vehicle you passed doesn't change the safety requirement. However, slow-moving vehicles on rural roads often create situations where safe passes are clearly possible, which could support your defense.
Traffic School Option
Most drivers cited for CVC 21750 qualify for traffic school if they haven't attended in the past 18 months and don't hold a commercial license. Completing traffic school keeps the point off your public record and prevents insurance increases.
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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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