CVC 21453 — Circular Red Signal
What a California Vehicle Code §21453 citation actually accuses you of, and the angles drivers use to contest one by mail.
What the court has to find
Failing to stop at the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection entrance on a circular red signal (subsection (a)); for a right turn on red (subsection (b)), a complete stop is required before turning, after which the turn itself is lawful unless signed otherwise; red arrow (subsection (c)) prohibits entering the intersection.
Defense angles that fit this section
The vehicle entered the intersection while the light was yellow; where the required stop legally occurs (the first of: limit line, crosswalk, or intersection entrance — stopping past the sign but at the line still complies); obstructed signal visibility; for right-turn-on-red, that a complete stop was in fact made before turning.
Contest your CVC 21453 ticket by mail
A Trial by Written Declaration lets you fight it without a court date — and losing still leaves you the right to a brand-new in-person trial.
Start with your ticketThis page explains the statute in general terms; it isn't legal advice about your specific case. See the Trial by Written Declaration FAQ for how the mail-in process works.