CVC 24400Eligible for written declaration

Headlamp Requirements

A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, without at least two headlamps placed as the section requires, or driven in darkness or inclement weather without at least two lighted headlamps.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $193 under (a), or $25 if corrected; $234 under (b)DMV Points: 0 under (a); 1 under (b)

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 Headlamp Requirements ticket?

CVC 24400(a) says a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with at least two headlamps, at least one on each side of the front, located (except on vehicles registered before January 1, 1930) directly above or in advance of the front axle, at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 22 inches. Under 24400(b), such a vehicle shall be operated during darkness, or inclement weather, or both, with at least two lighted headlamps that comply with (a). Under 24400(c), inclement weather is a condition that prevents a driver from clearly discerning a person or another motor vehicle on the highway from 1,000 feet, or a condition requiring the windshield wipers to be in continuous use due to rain, mist, snow, fog, or other precipitation or atmospheric moisture.

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What the Law Says

(a) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with at least two headlamps, with at least one on each side of the front of the vehicle, and, except as to vehicles registered prior to January 1, 1930, they shall be located directly above or in advance of the front axle of the vehicle. The headlamps and every light source in any headlamp unit shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 22 inches. (b) A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be operated during darkness, or inclement weather, or both, with at least two lighted headlamps that comply with subdivision (a). (c) As used in subdivision (b), “inclement weather” is a weather condition that is either of the following: (1) A condition that prevents a driver of a motor vehicle from clearly discerning a person or another motor vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1,000 feet. (2) A condition requiring the windshield wipers to be in continuous use due to rain, mist, snow, fog, or other precipitation or atmospheric moisture.

What the Officer Must Prove

1Your vehicle, other than a motorcycle, did not have at least two headlamps as CVC 24400(a) requires, or was operated during darkness or inclement weather without at least two lighted headlamps

Arguments Commonly Raised for Headlamp Requirements

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

Not darkness or inclement weather

CVC 24400(b) applies during darkness or inclement weather, which (c) defines as a condition preventing a driver from clearly discerning a person or another vehicle from 1,000 feet, or one requiring continuous use of the windshield wipers. Describe the light and weather.

Headlamps working

If your headlamps were working and lighted, describe them and include photos.

Correction

If you were cited under 24400(a), your notice is marked correctable, and you present proof of correction, certified as Vehicle Code 40616 describes, by mail or in person on or before the date on your notice, the court shall dismiss the charge (Vehicle Code 40522). The clerk collects a $25 transaction fee unless the notice is processed only by the agency that issued it (Vehicle Code 40611). A 24400(b) charge, driving without lighted headlamps, is not a correctable violation in the 2026 Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedules.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out the time, light and weather
✗Not photographing the headlamps working after any repair

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 24400 — Headlamp Requirements. A motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, without at least two headlamps placed as the section requires, or driven in darkness or inclement weather without at least two lighted headlamps.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 24400. 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 Headlamp Requirements

When must headlights be on in California?▼

CVC 24400(b) says during darkness, or inclement weather, or both. Under 24400(c), inclement weather includes a condition requiring the windshield wipers to be in continuous use due to rain, mist, snow, fog, or other precipitation or atmospheric moisture.

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