CVC 24800Eligible for written declarationCorrectable · Fix under CVC 40522

Driving With Only Parking Lamps On

Driving with the parking lamps lighted unless the headlamps are also lighted or the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: check your notice or your court's bail scheduleDMV Points: None✓ Correctable

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 Driving With Only Parking Lamps On ticket?

CVC 24800 says no vehicle shall be driven at any time with the parking lamps lighted except when the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps or when the headlamps are also lighted.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

No vehicle shall be driven at any time with the parking lamps lighted except when the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps or when the headlamps are also lighted.

What the Officer Must Prove

1A vehicle was driven
2Its parking lamps were lighted
3The headlamps were not also lighted
4The parking lamps were not being used as turn signal lamps

Arguments Commonly Raised for Driving With Only Parking Lamps On

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

Headlamps also lighted

CVC 24800 allows the parking lamps to be lighted when the headlamps are also lighted. Describe which lamps were on.

Turn signal lamps

CVC 24800 allows the parking lamps to be lighted when they are being used as turn signal lamps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Not keeping proof of any correction
✗Missing the response date on your notice

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 24800 — Driving With Only Parking Lamps On. Driving with the parking lamps lighted unless the headlamps are also lighted or the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps.

This section is listed as a correctable (fix-it) violation. California has a general process for showing proof that the problem was corrected.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 24800. 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 Driving With Only Parking Lamps On

When may parking lamps be lighted while driving?▼

CVC 24800 allows it when the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps or when the headlamps are also lighted.

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