Stopping or suddenly decelerating without giving an adequate signal to vehicles following behind.
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.
This violation occurs when you stop or suddenly slow down without first signaling to drivers behind you. California law requires you to warn following traffic before braking abruptly, typically by using your brake lights or a hand signal when lights aren't functioning.
This ticket costs approximately $238 to $350 and adds 1 point to your DMV record. That point stays on your record for 3 years and can increase your auto insurance premiums by 15-25% annually.
A CVC 22109 conviction adds 1 point to your record, which insurers typically view as a minor moving violation. Expect potential rate increases of 15-25% for up to 3 years. Traffic school can prevent your insurer from seeing the violation.
A driver slams on their brakes to avoid hitting a cat that ran into the road, and a following driver rear-ends them. An officer cites the front driver for unsafe stopping.
This may be contestable since stopping for an animal in the roadway could constitute an emergency situation beyond the driver's control.
A driver stops suddenly at a yellow light they could have safely cleared, and the car behind nearly collides with them.
This is a common situation where officers cite for 22109, especially if the stop appeared unnecessary and created a hazard.
A driver's brake lights are burned out and they stop at a crosswalk for pedestrians. The following car didn't see them slowing and had to swerve.
The driver could face both a 22109 violation and a separate fix-it ticket for non-functioning brake lights.
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Brake lights were activated as a signal
CVC 22109 requires giving a brake light or hand signal before stopping or significantly decreasing speed. If your brake lights were functioning and activated, this constitutes the required signal.
Sudden stop was unavoidable
If an emergency — a vehicle cutting in front, a child in the road — required an immediate stop, the failure to pre-signal was excused.
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A proper signal is typically your working brake lights illuminating when you press the brake pedal. If your brake lights are not functioning, you're required to use a hand signal by extending your left arm downward outside the vehicle.
Yes, an officer can cite you for CVC 22109 even without a collision. The violation occurs when you fail to signal before stopping or slowing suddenly, regardless of whether an accident actually happens.
Emergency circumstances can be a valid defense. If a pedestrian stepped out, an animal crossed, or debris appeared suddenly, you can argue the stop was necessary and you had no opportunity to signal in advance.
No, CVC 22109 is a standard moving violation, not reckless driving. It's much less serious, carrying only 1 point rather than 2 points, and doesn't involve potential jail time like reckless driving charges.
Potentially, yes. If the following driver was tailgating in violation of CVC 21703, they share responsibility for maintaining a safe following distance. This can be part of your defense strategy.
Traffic School Option
Most drivers cited for CVC 22109 qualify for traffic school if they haven't attended in the past 18 months for another violation. Completing traffic school keeps the point off your public driving 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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