CVC 22516Eligible for written declaration

Locking Person in Vehicle

Leaving a locked vehicle standing with a person inside who cannot readily escape from it.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $234DMV Points: None

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 Locking Person in Vehicle ticket?

CVC 22516 says no person shall leave standing a locked vehicle in which there is any person who cannot readily escape from it.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

No person shall leave standing a locked vehicle in which there is any person who cannot readily escape therefrom.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You left a vehicle standing
2The vehicle was locked
3A person inside could not readily escape from it

Arguments Commonly Raised for Locking Person in Vehicle

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

The person could readily escape

CVC 22516 applies when a person inside cannot readily escape. Describe how the person could get out.

Not locked

If the vehicle was not locked, describe it.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out how the person inside could get out
✗Not describing the vehicle's locks

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22516 — Locking Person in Vehicle. Leaving a locked vehicle standing with a person inside who cannot readily escape from it.

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 22516. 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.

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