CVC 22526(d)Eligible for written declaration

Blocking Railroad Grade Crossing

Entering a railroad or rail transit crossing, even on a signal to proceed, without enough space on the other side for your vehicle and any railway vehicle.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $234DMV Points: None

No DMV point: Vehicle Code 12810.4 gives no point for a conviction under CVC 22526, Vehicle Code 22526(f) says it is not a violation of a law relating to the safe operation of vehicles, and the 2026 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules list it at 0 points.

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 Blocking Railroad Grade Crossing ticket?

CVC 22526(d) says a driver of a vehicle shall not enter a railroad or rail transit crossing, notwithstanding any official traffic control device or signal indication to proceed, unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the crossing to accommodate the vehicle driven and any railway vehicle, including a train, trolley, or city transit vehicle. Under 22526(f), a violation is a stopping violation when a notice to appear is issued by a peace officer described in Penal Code 830.1, 830.2 or 830.33, and a parking violation when a notice of parking violation is issued by someone else authorized to enforce parking rules. A parking notice is a civil notice contested with the agency that issued it, not by written declaration in court.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

(d) A driver of a vehicle shall not enter a railroad or rail transit crossing, notwithstanding any official traffic control device or signal indication to proceed, unless there is sufficient space on the other side of the railroad or rail transit crossing to accommodate the vehicle driven and any railway vehicle, including, but not limited to, a train, trolley, or city transit vehicle.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You entered a railroad or rail transit crossing
2There was not sufficient space on the other side of the crossing to accommodate your vehicle and any railway vehicle

Arguments Commonly Raised for Blocking Railroad Grade Crossing

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

Space on the other side

CVC 22526(d) applies when there is not sufficient space on the other side of the crossing for the vehicle and any railway vehicle. Describe the traffic beyond the crossing when you entered.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Assuming the ticket adds a DMV point: CVC 22526 adds none (Vehicle Code 12810.4)
✗Not photographing the crossing and the road beyond it

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22526(d) — Blocking Railroad Grade Crossing. Entering a railroad or rail transit crossing, even on a signal to proceed, without enough space on the other side for your vehicle and any railway vehicle.

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 22526(d). 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 Blocking Railroad Grade Crossing

Does a green light let me enter a railroad crossing?▼

CVC 22526(d) says a driver shall not enter a railroad or rail transit crossing, notwithstanding any official traffic control device or signal indication to proceed, unless there is sufficient space on the other side to accommodate the vehicle and any railway vehicle.

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