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.
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.
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.
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.
⚠️ What NOT to Do
Optionally describe your situation — road conditions, time of day, officer position — and get a tailored document preparation overview.
California law requires a speedometer on the vehicle. A GPS device does not satisfy this requirement. Have the vehicle's speedometer repaired.
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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.
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