CVC 22450(a)Eligible for written declaration

Stop Sign Violation

Not stopping at a stop sign at the limit line or, if there is none, before the crosswalk or, if there is neither, at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.

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 Stop Sign Violation ticket?

CVC 22450(a) says the driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving a vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection
2You did not stop at the limit line, if marked, or otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side, or, if there was neither, at the entrance to the intersecting roadway

Arguments Commonly Raised for Stop Sign Violation

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

Where you stopped

CVC 22450(a) sets the stopping point: a limit line, if marked, otherwise before the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, with neither, at the entrance to the intersecting roadway. Describe where you stopped and include photos of the markings.

You stopped

If you stopped, describe it, and include any dashcam video.

The stop sign

The section applies when approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection. Describe the sign and include photos from your approach.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the intersection, limit line and crosswalk from your approach
✗Leaving out where exactly you stopped

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22450(a) — Stop Sign Violation. Not stopping at a stop sign at the limit line or, if there is none, before the crosswalk or, if there is neither, at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 22450(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 Stop Sign Violation

Where do I stop at a stop sign?▼

CVC 22450(a) says at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver stops at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.

How long do I have to stop?▼

CVC 22450(a) does not state a length of time for the stop.

🏫

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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Related Violations

CVC 21453(a)