CVC 21800(a)Eligible for written declaration

Failure to Yield at Uncontrolled Intersection

Failing to yield, when approaching an intersection, to a vehicle that has already entered it from a different highway.

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 Failure to Yield at Uncontrolled Intersection ticket?

CVC 21800(a) says the driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway. Under 21800(b)(1), when two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield to the vehicle on his or her immediate right, except that a driver on a terminating highway shall yield to any vehicle on the intersecting continuing highway.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving a vehicle approaching an intersection
2Another vehicle had already entered the intersection from a different highway
3You did not yield the right-of-way to that vehicle

Arguments Commonly Raised for Failure to Yield at Uncontrolled Intersection

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

The other vehicle had not entered first

CVC 21800(a) is about yielding to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway. Describe when each vehicle entered.

Entering at the same time

CVC 21800(b)(1) says that when two vehicles enter from different highways at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on its immediate right, except that a vehicle on a terminating highway yields to a vehicle on the continuing highway. Describe where each vehicle came from.

A signal, yield sign, two-way stop, or left turn

CVC 21800(e) says the section does not apply to an intersection controlled by an official traffic control signal or a yield right-of-way sign, to an intersection controlled by stop signs from less than all directions, or when vehicles approach each other from opposite directions and one driver intends to make, or is making, a left turn. Describe the signs or signals and the direction of each vehicle. A signal that is not working is different: under 21800(d), a driver approaching an intersection whose official traffic control signals are inoperative shall stop, and vehicles entering at the same time yield to the vehicle on the right.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the intersection and its signs
✗Leaving out when each vehicle entered the intersection

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 21800(a) — Failure to Yield at Uncontrolled Intersection. Failing to yield, when approaching an intersection, to a vehicle that has already entered it from a different 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 21800(a). 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Failure to Yield at Uncontrolled Intersection

Who goes first when two cars reach an intersection at the same time?▼

CVC 21800(b)(1) says the driver of the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on his or her immediate right, except that a driver on a terminating highway yields to any vehicle on the intersecting continuing highway.

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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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