Parking Lamp Violation
Using parking lamps while driving in a manner not permitted by law, or failing to have required parking lamps on the vehicle.
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 Parking Lamp Violation ticket?
CVC 25100 governs parking lamps — lights used when a vehicle is parked on a roadway in low visibility conditions. A parking lamp violation typically involves using lamps that don't comply with color or brightness requirements, or using driving lamps in place of proper parking lamps. This is a correctable fix-it ticket.
Parking lamp violations carry no DMV points and a low base fine. This is almost always resolvable as a fix-it ticket. Correct the equipment and get a sign-off to avoid any court penalty.
No DMV points — no insurance impact.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1Your vehicle's parking lamps did not comply with CVC 25100 specifications
How Drivers Get This Ticket
Driver leaves parking lamps on while parked; rear lamps emit white instead of red light.
Fix-it ticket for incorrect lamp color; replace rear parking lamps with red-compliant bulbs.
Common Defenses for Parking Lamp Violation
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Parking lamps were functioning
CVC 25100 governs parking lamp requirements. Challenge whether the lamps were actually non-functional or whether the issue was operator activation.
Correctable violation
Repair the parking lamps and get a Certificate of Correction.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Repair receipt or lamp specification sheet showing compliance
- ✓Photos showing compliant parking lamps
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Using red front parking lights or white rear parking lights — color compliance is required
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Frequently Asked Questions About Parking Lamp Violation
What color must parking lights be?▼
Under CVC 25100, front parking lamps must emit white or amber light. Rear parking lamps must emit red light. Using incorrect colors is a violation.
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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.