Unsafe Stop or Deceleration Signal
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.
What is a Unsafe Stop or Deceleration Signal ticket?
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.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1You stopped or materially decreased your speed
- 2You did not give adequate brake light or hand signal before doing so
- 3Another vehicle was following you
How Drivers Get This Ticket
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.
Common Defenses for Unsafe Stop or Deceleration Signal
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.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Photos or video showing your brake lights functioning properly
- ✓Dashcam footage showing the circumstances of your stop
- ✓Witness statements from passengers or other drivers
- ✓Evidence of an emergency condition that required sudden stopping
- ✓Proof of recent brake light inspection or repair
- ✓Photos of the location showing conditions that justified stopping
- ✓Evidence that the following vehicle was tailgating
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Admitting you stopped suddenly without explaining why
- ✗Ignoring the ticket and missing your court deadline
- ✗Paying the fine without considering traffic school to mask the point
- ✗Failing to document that your brake lights were working at the time
- ✗Not mentioning emergency circumstances that forced you to brake
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Frequently Asked Questions About Unsafe Stop or Deceleration Signal
What exactly counts as a proper signal under CVC 22109?▼
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.
Can I get this ticket even if there was no accident?▼
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.
What if I had to brake suddenly because of something in the road?▼
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.
Is this the same as a reckless driving charge?▼
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.
Can the car behind me be at fault instead of me?▼
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.