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California Vehicle Code Violation Library
Search by violation code or keyword. Every guide includes fines, DMV points, what must be proven, and document preparation strategies. Educational use only.
Bicycle Riding Against Traffic
Operating a bicycle on a roadway in the opposite direction of traffic flow, which is prohibited except in certain designated contra-flow bike lanes.
Riding on Bicycle Handlebars
Riding or allowing another person to ride on the handlebars, frame, or any part of a bicycle not designed for passenger use.
Bicycle Too Far From Right Curb
Riding a bicycle on a roadway without staying as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
Bicycle Equipment Requirements
Operating a bicycle that does not meet California's required equipment standards including brakes, reflectors, and lighting.
Pedestrian Crosswalk Signal Violation
Entering a crosswalk when a pedestrian signal displays the "Don't Walk" message or a raised hand symbol indicating pedestrians should not enter.
Pedestrian Crossing Against Red Light
A pedestrian crossing a roadway at an intersection against a red traffic control signal.
Bicycle Helmet Violation — Minor
Operating a bicycle without a properly fitted and fastened helmet, as required for all riders and passengers under 18 years of age.
Bicycle Traffic Law Violation
A person riding a bicycle on a highway is subject to all provisions of the Vehicle Code applicable to drivers of motor vehicles.
Towing More Than One Vehicle
Towing more than one vehicle at a time in a manner not permitted under California law for non-commercial or standard vehicle configurations.
Towing Person on Bicycle or Skates
Towing a person riding a bicycle, roller skates, sled, or similar device behind a motor vehicle on a public highway.
Open Cannabis Container While Driving
Possessing an open container or package of cannabis or cannabis products while driving a motor vehicle on a highway.
Open Alcohol Container in Vehicle
Having an open container of an alcoholic beverage in a vehicle while it is on a highway, even if the driver is not drinking.
Interfering with Driver or Mechanism
Willfully interfering with the driver of a vehicle or with the mechanism of a vehicle while it is in motion on a highway.
Unsafe Starting of Parked Vehicle
Starting a vehicle from a parked, stopped, or standing position when it is not reasonably safe to do so, creating a hazard for approaching traffic.
Illegal U-Turn in Residential District
Making a U-turn in a residential district when another vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction within 200 feet.
Opening Vehicle Door Unsafely
Opening a vehicle door on the traffic side without checking that it is safe to do so, potentially striking a passing vehicle or cyclist.
Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
Following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent given speed and conditions.
Disobeying Traffic Control Device
Failing to stop or yield when directed by an official traffic control device at an intersection.
Double Yellow Line Violation
Crossing or driving to the left of double parallel solid yellow lines.
Disobeying Traffic Officer
Failing to comply with a lawful order or hand signal given by a peace officer directing traffic.
Failure to Yield at Uncontrolled Intersection
Failing to yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that has entered or is approaching an intersection simultaneously from a different highway.
Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing
Failing to stop at a railroad grade crossing when required by a stop sign or activated crossing signal.
Unsafe Stop or Deceleration Signal
Stopping or suddenly decelerating without giving an adequate signal to vehicles following behind.
Illegal U-Turn in Business District
Making a U-turn in a business district anywhere other than at an intersection or at a location where a sign permits a U-turn.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrian
Failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian within a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Blocking Pedestrian Crosswalk
Stopping a vehicle in a marked or unmarked crosswalk in a manner that blocks or obstructs pedestrians from crossing.
Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle
Failing to pull to the right and yield to an emergency vehicle displaying lights or audible siren.
Coasting in Neutral on Downgrade
Operating a motor vehicle with the gears in neutral or the clutch disengaged while descending a grade.
Failure to Yield When Turning Left
Failing to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians when making a left turn at an intersection.
Blocking an Intersection
Entering an intersection or marked crosswalk when there is insufficient space to clear it without stopping.
Improper Method of Signaling
Using a method of signaling a turn or stop that is not permitted under California law.
Failure to Yield Entering Highway
Failing to yield to traffic on the highway when entering from a private road, alley, or driveway.
Driving on Sidewalk
Driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk, except to cross it at a designated driveway or alley entrance.
Turning Without Signaling
Turning or changing lanes without giving an appropriate signal.
Failure to Yield at Yield Sign
Failing to yield the right-of-way to vehicles in the intersection when approaching a yield sign.
Failure to Yield to Pedestrian on Sidewalk
Failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian when driving across a sidewalk or into an alley.
Minimum Speed Law
Driving so slowly that you impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic.
Disobeying a Traffic Sign or Signal
Failing to obey a regulatory sign, signal, or traffic device.
Disobeying Turn Restriction
Making a turn at an intersection where that turn is prohibited by an official sign.
Truck Following Too Closely
A motor truck or tractor following another motor truck or tractor on a roadway outside a business or residential district at less than the required 300-foot interval.
Blocking Railroad Grade Crossing
Entering a railroad grade crossing when there is insufficient space to clear the tracks before stopping.
Failure to Yield at Stop Sign Intersection
Failing to yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the intersection after stopping at a stop sign.
Failure to Move Over for Stationary Emergency Vehicle
Failing to move over a lane or slow down when passing a stationary emergency vehicle with lights activated on a highway.
Prima Facie Speed Limit
Exceeding the default speed limit in school zones, business districts, or residential areas.
Following Emergency Vehicle Too Closely
Following an authorized emergency vehicle that is responding to an emergency call at a distance of less than 300 feet when the vehicle is sounding a siren or displaying lights.
Driving on Wrong Side of Divided Highway
Driving on the wrong side of a divided highway that is separated by a barrier, dividing section, or clearly marked dividing line.
Unlawful Riding on Outside of Vehicle
Riding or allowing another person to ride on the running board, fender, or exterior of a moving vehicle.
Failure to Drive on Right Side of Roadway
Operating a vehicle on the left side of a roadway when required by law to drive on the right half, except when passing or when the right side is obstructed.
Unsafe Entry onto Freeway
Entering a freeway or expressway from an on-ramp at a speed or in a manner that creates an unsafe condition for vehicles already traveling on the freeway.
Pedestrian or Bicycle on Freeway
Walking, running, or riding a bicycle on a freeway, expressway, or other roadway where pedestrians and cyclists are prohibited by posted signs.
Driving Through Safety Zone
Driving a vehicle through or within a safety zone — a space set apart by barriers or lines for the exclusive use of pedestrians.
Failure to Turn Out for Overtaking Vehicle
Failing to move to the right and allow a faster vehicle to overtake when operating a slow-moving vehicle on a two-lane road.
Unsafe Passing on Left
Overtaking another vehicle on the left when it is not safe or not permitted to do so under road conditions.
Failure to Keep Right on Multi-Lane Road
Failing to drive in the right-hand lane when traveling below the normal speed of traffic on a roadway with two or more lanes in the same direction.
Failure to Yield When Lanes Converge
Failing to yield when two lanes of traffic converge into one lane and vehicles must safely merge.
Passing on Right Using Shoulder or Edge
Passing another vehicle by driving off the main roadway onto the shoulder or unpaved portion of the road.
Unsafe Lane Change
Changing lanes without adequate safety precautions or signaling.
Mountain Road Driving Violation
Failing to stay to the right or yield to an ascending vehicle when driving on a mountain road where two vehicles cannot safely pass.
Unsafe Speed on Curved Mountain Road
Driving at a speed that is unsafe given road curvature conditions when descending a grade or rounding a sharp curve.
Overtaking on Grade or Curve
Passing another vehicle on a grade or curve where the driver's view is obstructed within a distance creating an unsafe condition.
Wrong-Way Driving
Willfully driving on the wrong side of a divided highway in the direction of oncoming traffic.
Unsafe Passing on Right
Overtaking and passing another vehicle on the right side of the roadway when not permitted by California law.
Failure to Use Designated Traffic Lane
Failing to use the lanes designated by official signs or road markings for specific traffic directions or vehicle types.
Passing in No-Passing Zone
Overtaking and passing another vehicle in a section of roadway posted as a no-passing zone.
Failure to Allow Safe Passing
Failing to move to the right and allow a faster vehicle to safely pass after it has signaled and begun the passing maneuver.
Parallel Parking Requirements
Failing to park parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb when parking on a two-way roadway.
Parking in Preferential Parking Zone
Parking in a residential preferential parking zone without the required permit or during restricted hours.
Parking on Roadway
Stopping or leaving a vehicle parked on a roadway when sufficient space is available to park off the roadway.
Parking on Public Grounds Without Authorization
Parking on the grounds of a state, county, or city facility without proper authorization or permit.
Parking Near Fire Hydrant
Parking a vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, preventing emergency access.
Parking Near Accessibility Ramp
Parking a vehicle within 3 feet of a sidewalk accessibility ramp designated for persons with disabilities.
Parking on State Highway
Stopping or leaving a vehicle on a state highway where prohibited by signs posted by the Department of Transportation.
Parking in Bus Zone
Stopping or leaving a vehicle standing in a designated bus loading zone or bus stop area.
Parking on a Bridge
Stopping or parking a vehicle on a bridge or elevated structure over a highway where parking is prohibited.
Parking in Tow-Away Zone
Parking a vehicle in a posted tow-away zone, which may result in immediate removal of the vehicle at the owner's expense.
Parking in Safety Zone
Stopping or parking a vehicle in a designated safety zone — an area marked for the exclusive use of pedestrians.
Parking in Loading Zone
Parking a vehicle in a yellow-curb loading zone longer than permitted, or parking in a loading zone when not actively loading or unloading.
Locking Person in Vehicle
Leaving a person inside a locked vehicle who is unable to operate the door release mechanism from the inside, including children and animals in dangerous conditions.
Parking in Intersection
Stopping or parking a vehicle within an intersection, blocking traffic flow and creating a hazard.
Disabled Parking Zone Violation
Parking in a space designated for persons with disabilities without a valid disabled person placard or license plate.
Parking on Crosswalk
Stopping or parking a vehicle on a marked or unmarked pedestrian crosswalk, blocking safe pedestrian passage.
Parking Blocking Railroad Track
Stopping or parking a vehicle in a manner that blocks or obstructs a railroad track.
Blocking a Driveway
Parking a vehicle in front of or within a public or private driveway, preventing reasonable access.
Parking in a Tunnel
Stopping or parking a vehicle in a tunnel or on a bridge, except in a designated area or in cases of emergency.
Abandoned Vehicle on Highway
Leaving a vehicle unattended on a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours, resulting in the vehicle being subject to removal by law enforcement.
Using Handheld Electronic Device While Driving
Operating a motor vehicle while holding and using a smartphone or electronic wireless communications device in a manner requiring the use of the driver's hand.
Handheld Cell Phone While Driving
Using a handheld wireless telephone while driving a motor vehicle.
School Bus Driver Cell Phone Use
A school bus driver using a wireless phone while transporting passengers.
Texting While Driving
Reading, writing, or sending text messages on an electronic device while driving.
Minor Using Wireless Device While Driving
A driver under 18 using any wireless device while driving, including hands-free.
Hands-Free Device Requirement Violation
Using a wireless telephone while driving without a hands-free device that allows the phone to be used without holding it, in violation of California hands-free requirements.
Minor Using Handheld Device While Driving
A driver under 18 using any wireless communication device while driving, including devices in hands-free mode, which is prohibited for drivers under 18 in California.
Red Light Camera Citation
A citation issued based on an automated traffic enforcement system (red light camera) photographing a vehicle entering an intersection on a red signal.
Failure to Yield at Flashing Yellow Signal
Proceeding through an intersection controlled by a flashing yellow light without exercising caution and yielding as required.
Disobeying Flashing Red Signal
Failing to come to a complete stop and yield before proceeding through an intersection controlled by a flashing red light.
Red Light Violation
Entering an intersection or crossing a limit line while the traffic signal is red.
Right Turn on Red Without Stopping
Turning right at a red light without first coming to a complete stop at the limit line or before the crosswalk.
Entering Intersection on Steady Red Arrow
Entering an intersection when facing a steady red arrow signal indicating that turning movement is prohibited.
Failure to Present Driver License
Failing to present a valid driver license when requested by a peace officer.
No Proof of Financial Responsibility (Insurance)
Operating a vehicle without maintaining evidence of financial responsibility (auto insurance).
Driving Without a Valid License
Operating a motor vehicle without a valid California license.
Wrong Registration Displayed
Displaying registration tabs or a registration card that does not belong to the vehicle.
Altered Registration Documents
Possessing or displaying registration documents that have been fraudulently altered.
License Not in Possession While Driving
Failing to have a valid driver license in your immediate possession while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway.
Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance
Failing to provide evidence of financial responsibility when requested by a peace officer.
Displaying False Evidence of Registration
Displaying or presenting to a peace officer registration documents or license plates that were not issued for the vehicle being operated.
Registration Card Not Kept in Vehicle
Failing to keep the vehicle registration card inside the vehicle and available for inspection at all times.
California Resident Driving on Foreign License
A California resident operating a motor vehicle using a license issued by another state or country after becoming a California resident, without obtaining a California license.
Operating Vehicle of Different Class Than License
Operating a motor vehicle of a class or type that requires a license class or endorsement the driver does not currently hold.
Expired Vehicle Registration
Operating a vehicle with expired registration on a public highway.
Expired Driver License
Operating a motor vehicle with a California driver license that has passed its expiration date.
Operating Unregistered Vehicle
Operating a vehicle on a public highway that has never been registered in California or whose registration has been revoked.
License Plate Not Displayed Front and Rear
Operating a vehicle that requires two license plates without displaying one on both the front and the rear of the vehicle.
Disobeying School Traffic Safety Rules
Violating traffic safety rules established by local authorities specifically for the control of traffic near a school.
Exceeding Speed Limit in School Zone
Exceeding the 25 mph speed limit when passing a school building or school grounds while children are present and in recess or going to or leaving school.
Unsafe Speed on Bridge or Tunnel
Driving at a speed that is unsafe given the structural conditions of a bridge, tunnel, or elevated highway structure.
Towing Vehicle Speed Violation
Operating a vehicle towing another vehicle or trailer in excess of the applicable speed limit for towing vehicles under California law.
Exceeding 70 mph Posted Speed Limit
Exceeding a posted speed limit of 70 mph on a California highway where such a limit has been established by the Department of Transportation.
Basic Speed Law
Driving at a speed unsafe for current conditions, regardless of posted limit.
Speed Trap — Radar Without Engineering Survey
A speed limit enforced by radar that is not supported by a current engineering and traffic survey may constitute a speed trap, which is a recognized basis for contesting a citation in California.
Exceeding Altered Speed Limit
Exceeding a speed limit that has been altered from the default speed limit by local authority based on an engineering and traffic survey of the roadway.
Unsafe Speed on Grade
Operating a vehicle at a speed exceeding the posted speed limit on a highway grade where a reduced speed limit has been established for safety.
Driving Below Minimum Speed in Left Lane
Operating a vehicle in the far left lane at a speed slower than the minimum posted speed limit, impeding the flow of traffic.
Maximum Speed Law — 65 mph
Exceeding the maximum posted speed limit of 65 mph.
Commercial Vehicle Exceeding 55 mph
Operating a commercial vehicle, truck tractor, or vehicle towing a trailer in excess of 55 mph on a California highway.
Required Vehicle Failure to Stop at Railroad Crossing
Buses, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials are required to always stop at railroad grade crossings regardless of signals — failure to do so is a violation.
Stop Sign Violation
Failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
Failure to Stop Before Sidewalk at Driveway
Exiting a driveway, alley, or private road onto a public street without stopping before the sidewalk or the point where the driveway meets the roadway.
Failure to Stop When Train Approaching
Failing to stop at a railroad grade crossing when a train is approaching, within hazardous proximity, or is plainly visible and an immediate hazard exists.
Failure to Yield at Yield Sign
Failing to yield the right-of-way as required by an official yield sign placed at an intersection or highway entry point.
Video Monitor Visible to Driver While Moving
Operating a vehicle with any video monitor displaying images visible to the driver while the vehicle is in motion.
Turn Signal Lamp Requirements
Operating a vehicle without functioning front and rear turn signal lamps as required by California equipment standards.
Windshield Requirements
Operating a vehicle without a windshield, or with a windshield that does not meet California's safety standards.
Brake System Performance Requirements
Operating a vehicle whose brake system does not meet California's minimum performance requirements under all loading conditions.
Defective Stop Lamps
Operating a vehicle with stop lamps that fail to illuminate when the brakes are applied.
Defective Horn
Operating a vehicle without a functioning horn audible from at least 200 feet.
Exhaust System Violation
Operating a vehicle without an adequate muffler in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
Mudguard Requirements
Operating a vehicle required to have mudguards without them properly installed behind the rear tires.
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.
Unlawful Light Color on Vehicle
Displaying lights of a color not permitted by California law on a motor vehicle, including unauthorized red or blue lights.
Mirror Requirements
Operating a vehicle without the required number of mirrors that provide an adequate view of the highway behind.
Excessive Vehicle Exhaust Noise
Operating a motor vehicle that produces exhaust noise in excess of the state's allowable decibel limits.
Tire Tread Depth Violation
Operating a vehicle with tires that have less than the minimum required tread depth of 1/32 inch on any portion of the tread.
Speedometer Required
Operating a motor vehicle without a functioning speedometer that accurately displays the vehicle's speed.
Fender and Body Requirements
Operating a vehicle without fenders or body panels adequate to prevent tire spray, mud, or debris from being thrown.
Improper High Beam Use in Traffic
Failing to dim headlights from high beam when within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet when following another vehicle.
Parking Brake Requirements
Operating a vehicle without a parking brake capable of holding the vehicle stationary on any grade on which it is operated.
Child Passenger Restraint System Violation
Transporting a child under 8 years old without a properly secured child passenger restraint system meeting federal safety standards.
License Plate Display Position
License plates not properly mounted or displayed in the required position on the vehicle.
Headlamp Requirements
Operating a vehicle without required headlamps during darkness or inclement weather.
Non-Compliant Vehicle Lighting
Operating a vehicle with aftermarket or modified lighting that does not meet California equipment standards, including underglow, LED conversions, or unapproved light colors.
Window Obstruction — Tinted Glass or Objects
Operating a vehicle with material, objects, or tinting on the windshield or front side windows that obstructs or reduces the driver's clear view of the highway.
Seat Belt Violation
Driver or passenger not wearing a properly fastened seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.
Defective Taillights
Operating a vehicle with taillights that are not visible from 500 feet to the rear.
Motorcycle Helmet Violation
Operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, or motor-driven cycle without wearing a safety helmet meeting federal standards.
Defective Brakes
Operating a vehicle with brakes that do not meet California safety standards.
Registration Sticker Not Displayed
Operating a vehicle without the current registration sticker properly affixed to the license plate.
Motorcycle Equipment Violation
Operating a motorcycle without required safety equipment such as handlebars or mirrors.
Defective Windshield Wipers
Operating a vehicle with windshield wipers that do not adequately clear rain, snow, or moisture.
Defective or Missing Rear Lamps
Operating a vehicle without functioning rear lamps that are visible from at least 500 feet to the rear.
Child Safety Seat Violation
Transporting a child without a properly secured child passenger restraint system.
License Plate Light Required
Operating a vehicle at night without a white light that clearly illuminates the rear license plate.
Television Screen Visible to Driver
Operating a vehicle with a television receiver or screen in a location visible to the driver while the vehicle is in motion.
Unsafe Vehicle Condition
Operating a vehicle that is in an unsafe condition or not equipped as required by the Vehicle Code, creating a hazard to the driver or others.
Safety Glazing Requirements
Operating a vehicle with glass or glazing material that does not meet California's safety standards for motor vehicle glazing.
Modified or Aftermarket Exhaust Violation
Operating a vehicle with an exhaust system that has been modified, gutted, or altered to amplify noise beyond the stock configuration or California emissions standards.
Illegal Window Tint
Operating a vehicle with window tinting on the windshield or front side windows that exceeds California's legal limits for visible light transmission.