CVC 22110Eligible for written declaration

Improper Method of Signaling

Not giving required signals by signal lamp or, when the vehicle has no turn signals and is not required to, or the lamps stop working while driving, by hand and arm.

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 Improper Method of Signaling ticket?

CVC 22110(a) says the signals required by that chapter of the Vehicle Code shall be given by signal lamp, unless a vehicle is not required to be and is not equipped with turn signals; drivers of those vehicles shall give a hand and arm signal when required. Under 22110(b), if the signal lamps become inoperable while driving, hand and arm signals shall be used in the manner required in that chapter.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) The signals required by this chapter shall be given by signal lamp, unless a vehicle is not required to be and is not equipped with turn signals. Drivers of vehicles not required to be and not equipped with turn signals shall give a hand and arm signal when required by this chapter. (b) In the event the signal lamps become inoperable while driving, hand and arm signals shall be used in the manner required in this chapter.

What the Officer Must Prove

1A signal was required by that chapter of the Vehicle Code
2You did not give it by signal lamp, or by hand and arm signal where the section allows that

Arguments Commonly Raised for Improper Method of Signaling

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

Vehicle without turn signals

CVC 22110(a) says drivers of vehicles not required to be and not equipped with turn signals shall give a hand and arm signal when required. Describe your vehicle.

Lamps stopped working while driving

CVC 22110(b) says that if the signal lamps become inoperable while driving, hand and arm signals shall be used. Describe what happened and what signal you gave.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not keeping proof of any repair to your signal lamps
✗Leaving out which signal you gave and how

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22110 — Improper Method of Signaling. Not giving required signals by signal lamp or, when the vehicle has no turn signals and is not required to, or the lamps stop working while driving, by hand and arm.

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 22110. 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 Improper Method of Signaling

Can I use hand signals instead of my turn signals?▼

CVC 22110 says required signals are given by signal lamp, except that hand and arm signals are used by drivers of vehicles not required to be and not equipped with turn signals, and when the signal lamps become inoperable while driving.

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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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