CVC 22450(b)Eligible for written declaration

Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing

Failing to stop at a railroad grade crossing with a stop sign, at the limit line if marked or otherwise before the first track.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $486DMV 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 Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing ticket?

CVC 22450(b) says the driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign at a railroad grade crossing shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before crossing the first track or entrance to the railroad grade crossing.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(b) The driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign at a railroad grade crossing shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before crossing the first track or entrance to the railroad grade crossing.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were driving a vehicle approaching a stop sign at a railroad grade crossing
2You did not stop at the limit line, if marked, or otherwise before crossing the first track or entrance to the crossing

Arguments Commonly Raised for Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing

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

Where you stopped

CVC 22450(b) sets the stopping point: a limit line, if marked, otherwise before crossing the first track or entrance to the railroad grade crossing. Describe where you stopped.

A stop sign at the crossing

The section applies when approaching a stop sign at a railroad grade crossing. Describe the signs at the crossing and include photos.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not photographing the stop sign, limit line and tracks
✗Leaving out where exactly you stopped

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22450(b) — Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing. Failing to stop at a railroad grade crossing with a stop sign, at the limit line if marked or otherwise before the first track.

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 22450(b). 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 Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing

Where do I stop at a railroad crossing with a stop sign?▼

CVC 22450(b) says at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before crossing the first track or entrance to the railroad grade crossing.

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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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