Operating a vehicle with windshield wipers that do not adequately clear rain, snow, or moisture.
No DMV points — correctable violation
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CVC 26303 requires windshield wipers to be in good working condition and able to clean the windshield effectively. A defective windshield wipers citation means wipers were inoperable, missing, or severely streaking. Correctable fix-it ticket.
No DMV points, ~$25 fine, correctable. Replace the wiper blades — often a $15–$30 fix.
No DMV points — no insurance impact.
Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a self-operating windshield wiper or wipers to clear rain, snow, and other moisture from the windshield.
Wiper motor not functioning during rain.
Fix-it ticket; repair wiper motor, get sign-off.
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Wipers were functional
If wipers worked during the stop or weather didn't require them, challenge the factual basis.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
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No — CVC 26303 only requires front windshield wipers.
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