CVC 22109Eligible for written declaration

Unsafe Stop or Deceleration Signal

Stopping or suddenly slowing on a highway without first giving an appropriate signal to the driver immediately behind, when there is an opportunity to give it.

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 Stop or Deceleration Signal ticket?

CVC 22109 says no person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle on a highway without first giving an appropriate signal, in the manner provided in that chapter of the Vehicle Code, to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give the signal.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle on a highway without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give the signal.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You stopped or suddenly decreased the speed of a vehicle on a highway
2A vehicle was immediately to the rear
3There was opportunity to give a signal, and you did not first give an appropriate signal

Arguments Commonly Raised for Unsafe Stop or Deceleration Signal

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

No opportunity to signal

CVC 22109 applies when there is opportunity to give the signal. Describe why you slowed or stopped and how quickly it happened.

You signaled

If you gave an appropriate signal first, describe it.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out why you slowed or stopped
✗Not keeping proof that your signal lamps worked

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22109 — Unsafe Stop or Deceleration Signal. Stopping or suddenly slowing on a highway without first giving an appropriate signal to the driver immediately behind, when there is an opportunity to give it.

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 22109. 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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