California Vehicle Code violations, explained
Every citation names the exact Vehicle Code section you're accused of violating — and each section has specific elements the court must find, and specific defenses that fit. Plain-English explainers for the most common citations:
- CVC 16028 — Proof of Financial Responsibility (Insurance) What it means →
- CVC 21453 — Circular Red Signal What it means →
- CVC 21461 — Failure to Obey Regulatory Sign or Signal What it means →
- CVC 21658 — Lane Straddling / Unsafe Lane Change What it means →
- CVC 21703 — Following Too Closely What it means →
- CVC 22107 — Unsafe Turn or Lane Change What it means →
- CVC 22349 — Maximum Speed Limit (65/55 mph) What it means →
- CVC 22350 — Basic Speed Law What it means →
- CVC 22450 — Stop Sign — Failure to Stop What it means →
- CVC 23123 — Handheld Wireless Telephone Use What it means →
- CVC 23123.5 — Handheld Electronic Device Use What it means →
- CVC 4000 — Registration Required What it means →
Cited under a different section? You can still contest it — start with a photo of your ticket and we'll take it from there.