CVC 21461 — Failure to Obey Regulatory Sign or Signal

What a California Vehicle Code §21461 citation actually accuses you of, and the angles drivers use to contest one by mail.

What the court has to find

A driver failing to obey a regulatory sign or signal erected under lawful authority (subsection (a)).

Defense angles that fit this section

Whether the sign is regulatory, conforms to standards, was visible, and was erected under lawful authority; whether the alleged conduct actually violated what the sign directs.

The real cost of pleading guilty: penalty assessments multiply the base fine several times over, and a point can raise your insurance for three years. Run the numbers with the fine calculator.

Contest your CVC 21461 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 ticket

This 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.