Speedometer Required
Operating a motor vehicle without a functioning speedometer that accurately displays the vehicle's speed.
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 Speedometer Required ticket?
CVC 27000(a) requires every motor vehicle to be equipped with a speedometer that accurately indicates the vehicle's speed. A "speedometer required" citation typically means the speedometer was inoperative, obviously inaccurate, or missing. This is a correctable fix-it ticket.
A defective speedometer carries no DMV points and is a low-fine correctable violation. However, operating without an accurate speedometer increases your risk of unknowing speed law violations.
No DMV points — no insurance impact.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1Your vehicle was operated without a functioning speedometer
How Drivers Get This Ticket
Officer observes speedometer needle not moving during a stop; driver admits it has been broken for weeks.
Fix-it ticket; driver has speedometer repaired, gets sign-off, pays $25 court fee.
Common Defenses for Speedometer Required
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Speedometer was functioning
CVC 27000(a) requires a functioning speedometer on motor vehicles. Challenge whether the speedometer was actually non-functional, and document its accuracy if relevant.
Correctable violation
Repair or replace the speedometer and get a Certificate of Correction.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Mechanic's repair receipt for speedometer
- ✓Photos showing functioning speedometer after repair
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Driving without a functioning speedometer — you may unknowingly speed and face additional citations
Get a personalized summary
Optionally describe your situation — road conditions, time of day, officer position — and get a tailored document preparation overview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Speedometer Required
What if I use a GPS to know my speed instead of a speedometer?▼
California law requires a speedometer on the vehicle. A GPS device does not satisfy this requirement. Have the vehicle's speedometer repaired.
Ready to prepare your defense documents?
Upload your citation and TicketClear generates a personalized Trial by Written Declaration based on your specific situation. Starting at $49.99.
Check if my ticket qualifiesTakes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.
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.