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Traffic Violations
Traffic Violations - California

Our California traffic violation lawyers have helped defend clients against charges of Reckless Driving charges, Hit & Run Accidents, Driving on a Suspended License, Vehicular Homicide, and Driving Under the Influence (DUI). If you have received a citation, ticket, or been arrested for a moving violation in California, please contact our attorneys immediately for a swift and vigorous defense. Our experienced California lawyers can help to get charges and penalties reduced and / or dismissed. Contact Us Online or Call Today! 1-800-221-7084

More than 15 million traffic violations are filed each year in California's courts. There are three types of traffic violations: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Most traffic violations are infractions, but some, like vehicular manslaughter, can be prosecuted as a felony.
  • Infraction Violations - An infraction is a violation of, or failure to comply with certain provisions of the Vehicle Code, local ordinance or other law or statute. Punishment for an infraction is a fine only. An infraction is not punishable by imprisonment; the maximum sentence on an infraction is a $250 fine (plus assessment and fees). The more common traffic infractions include speeding and running a red light or stop sign.
     
  • Misdemeanors, such as driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, can carry penalties of as much as $2,000 or more, and/or confinement in a city or county jail. The maximum penalty allowed in California for a misdemeanor traffic violation is one year in county jail and / or a fine.
     
  • Felonies are punishable by confinement in state prison.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the traffic violation (were drugs found? loaded or concealed weapon? open container?, etc) and whether previous convictions exist, the penalties for California traffic violations could include:

  • Significant fines;
  • Imprisonment;
  • License Suspension;
  • Vehicle Impoundment;
  • and other penalties.

If you, or a loved one, have received a traffic violation charge in California, please contact our attorneys today to discuss your situation. Our lawyers are experienced with helping clients with simple infractions, misdemeanor and/or felony traffic violations. For a Free Initial Consultation: Contact Us Online or Call Today! 1-800-221-7084


Related Criminal Law Topics
 -
DMV Hearings
 - Driving Under the Influence
 - Misdemeanors


Vehicle Code Violations - Types of Moving Violations in California

C - Civil
F - Felony
I - Infraction
M - Misdemeanor

Type

VC Section

Description

I

21100.3

Failure to obey traffic direction of local authority.

I

21106(b)

Crosswalk, use of where prohibited by sign.

I

21113(a)

School or public grounds, trespassing on with vehicle, animal, bicycle, skateboard, motorized bicycle, or roller skates.

I

21116(a)

Unlawful to drive upon roadway on a levee, canal bank, pipeline right-of-way or natural waterline course.

M

21200.5

Riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.

I

21201(a)

Bicycle, single wheel brake required.

I

21201(b)

Bicycle, handlebars no higher than operator's shoulders.

I

21201(c)

Bicycle: rider unable to support in an upright position with at least one foot on the ground.

I

21201(d)

Bicycle, during darkness headlight, red reflector on rear, pedal reflectors and side reflectors required.

I

21201.5(a)

Sale of unapproved, reflex reflector, or reflectorized tire.

I

21201.5(b)

Sale of bicycle without required reflectors on pedals and sides.

I

21202(a)

Bicyclist, failure to use right edge of roadway.

I

21203

Bicyclist, hitching ride on other vehicle.

I

21204(a)

Bicyclist, riding on other than permanent seat and/or passenger riding on other than permanent seat.

I

21204(b)

Bicyclist, permitting passenger on other than a permanent seat; minor passenger not retained in seat.

I

21205

Bicyclist, unable to keep at least one hand free to use on handlebars.

I

21207.5

Operation of motorized bicycle upon bikeway, equestrian, hiking or recreational trail without proper authority.

I

21208(a)

Failure to ride in a bicycle lane.

I

21208(b)

Bicyclist shall not leave bike lane until reasonably safe.

I

21209(a)

Driving in bicycle lane. Except as provided.

I

21210

Bicycle lying on its side on a sidewalk.

I

21211(a)

Standing, stopping, sitting, or loitering on a Class I bikeway.

I

21211(b)

Placing or parking any bicycle, vehicle, or object upon a Class I bikeway which impedes the movement of a bicyclist.

I

21212(a)

Person under 18 operating or riding as passenger on bicycle without wearing approved helmet. (Warning only during 1994.)

I

21212(c)

Sale of bicycle helmet not meeting applicable safety standards.

I

21367(b)

Department of Transportation, disobeying traffic control at construction site.

I

21367(c)

Failure to obey warning devices at construction site.

I

21451(a)

Circular green signal, shall proceed but shall yield to vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within intersection.

I

21451(b)

Green arrow, shall enter intersection only to make movement indicated.

I

21451(c)

Pedestrians facing circular green, may proceed but must yield to vehicles lawfully within the intersection.

I

21451(d)

Pedestrian facing green arrow shall not enter roadway.

I

21453(a)

Red or Stop, vehicles stop at limit line or X-walk.

I

21453(b)

After stopping, may turn right, or turn left from a one-way street to a one-way street, (unless sign posted) but shall yield to pedestrians and traffic on cross street.

I

21453(c)

Red arrow, driver shall not enter intersection to make indicated movement.

I

21453(d)

Pedestrian facing circular red or red arrow, shall not enter roadway.

I

21454(c)

Lane use control signal, steady red, driver shall not enter or use.

I

21454(d)

Lane use control signal, flashing yellow, driver may use only for making left turn to or from the highway.

I

21455

Official traffic control signal erected at other than an intersection, shall stop at sign, crosswalk, limit line, or if none, at the signal.

I

21456(a)

"Walk" pedestrian failure to yield right-of-way to vehicles already in crosswalk.

I

21456(b)

"Don't walk" or "wait" or "upraised hand," pedestrian crossing against.

I

21457(a)

Flashing Red, failing to stop for.

I

21457(b)

Flashing Yellow, proceed only with caution.

I

21460(a)

Double solid lines, driving to left of, except driveway, intersection, or U-turn.

I

21460(b)

Solid-broken lines, driving to left when solid line placed on right.

I

21460.5(c)

Two-way left turn lane, driving in, or turning from through lane.

I

21461(a)

Traffic control sign, failure to obey regulatory provisions.

I

21461.5

Pedestrian, failure to obey any sign or signal.

I

21462

Traffic control signals, all traffic (Sec. 620) to obey.

I

21463

Traffic signals, illegal operation.

I

21464(a)

Signs, signals, markers, or motorist call boxes, damaging, removing, or attaching material to.

I

21464(b)

Person using or unauthorized vehicle equipped with signal changing device.

F

21464(c)

Signs, signals or markers, damaging, removing or attaching material to, resulting in injury or death.

I

21465

Traffic devices, display of unauthorized.

I

21466

Blinding lights, displayed toward highway.

I

21466.5

Display of light source impairing vision of drivers.

I

21650

Right half of roadway, failure to drive on.

I

21650.1

Bicycle on roadway or shoulder required to be operated in same direction as motor vehicles.

I

21651(a)

Divided highways, driving over, upon or across dividing section; left or semicircular U-turn except through marked opening.

M

21651(b)

Driving the wrong way on a divided highway.

M/F

21651(c)

Driving the wrong way on a divided highway which causes injury or death.

I

21652

Service road, entering or leaving adjacent highway from other than lawful opening.

I

21654(a)

Slower vehicle, in left lane(s).

I

21655(b)

Certain vehicles (22406) using left lane(s), or passing in lane other than adjacent to right lane. Trailer buses allowed in HOV lane.

I

21655.5

Failure to obey sign posted preferential traffic lanes; exceptions- motorcycles and mass transit vehicles.

I

21655.8

Crossing over double yellow lines to enter or exit a preferential use traffic lane.

I

21656

Slow vehicle, failure to use signposted turnout or safe area.

I

21657

One-way street, highway, driving against traffic.

I

21658(a)

Laned roadways (2 or more lanes in direction of travel), straddling or changing when unsafe.

I

21658(b)

Designated lanes, failure to obey signs.

I

21659

3-lane highway, driving in far left lane, or using center lane when unsafe.

I

21660

Meeting vehicles, failure to pass to right, and/or yield half of roadway.

I

21661

Descending narrow grade, yield to ascending vehicle.

I

21662(a)

Mountain driving, drive as near the right edge as possible.

I

21662(b)

Mountain driving, roadway with insufficient width, driver to give audible warning where view obstructed within 200 feet.

I

21663

Driving on sidewalk, except when permitted.

I

21664

Exiting or entering a freeway at other than a designated on- ramp or off-ramp.

I

21700

Obstructing driver's view or control, by passengers or load.

I

21700.5

Operation of bus with school pupils standing in city of San Diego.

I

21701

Interfering with driver's control of vehicle.

M

21702(a)

Driving Hours-Persons, not to exceed 10 hours.

M

21702(b)

Driving Hours-Property, not to exceed 12 hours.

I

21703

Following Too Closely, not reasonable and prudent.

I

21704(a)

Distance between trucks, 300 feet on 2-lane highway.

I

21705

Caravans, maintain at least 100 feet distance between vehicles.

I

21706

Authorized emergency vehicles, following within 300 feet.

I

21707

Fire area, operating vehicle within the block or 300 feet.

I

21708

Fire hoses, driving over unprotected.

I

21709

Safety zone, driving through.

I

21710

Coasting, in neutral on downgrade.

I

21711

Towed vehicle, whipping, swerving or failing to track properly.

I

21712(a)

Permitting person to ride where unlawful.

I

21712(b)

Unlawful riding on portion not intended for passengers or load.

I

21712(d)

Permitting riding in trailer coach or trailer carrying vessel unlawful.

I

21712(e)

Unlawful towing of bicycle, skis, sled etc.

I

21712(f)

Passengers in trailer being towed with a fifth wheel, when not properly equipped.

M

21713

Privately owned armored car, operated without CHP license.

I

21714 (b)

Operating fully enclosed 3-wheeled motor vehicle described in 27803 (f) adjacent to lane markings or between vehicles.

I

21715(a)

Passenger vehicle towing more than one other vehicle. (See 36625 and 36626 for exceptions.)

I

21715(b)

Motor vehicle under 4,000 pounds towing any vehicle over 6,000 pounds.

I

21716

Operating golf cart in speed zone above 25 mph.

I

21717

Motor vehicle turning across a bicycle lane.

I

21718

Stopping or parking on freeway having full access and no crossing grades.

I

21750

Overtaking vehicle, failure to pass safely to left.

I

21751

Overtaking vehicle, passing without sufficient clearance.

I

21752(a)

Driving left of center, when view limited by curve or hill crest.

I

21752(b)

Driving left of center, when view limited approaching bridge, viaduct or tunnel.

I

21752(c)

Driving left of center, traversing intersection or RR crossing.

I

21753

Overtaken vehicle, not moving to right on audible signal, or increasing speed.

I

21754

Passing on right, when unlawful.

I

21755

Passing on right, when unsafe, or on shoulder.

I

21756(a)

Passing streetcar when receiving or discharging passengers.

I

21756(b)

Passing streetcar at unsafe speed.

I

21756(c)

Passing trolley coach at unsafe speed.

I

21757

Passing streetcar on left.

I

21758

Passing too slowly on grade (10 mph faster, complete pass 1/4 mile).

I

21759

Passing animals, stop or reduce speed as necessary.

I

21800(a)

Uncontrolled intersection, yield to first vehicle within.

I

21800(b)

Uncontrolled intersection, yield to vehicle on right.

I

21800(c)

Intersection controlled from all sides (4-way stop), yield to vehicle on right.

I

21800(d)

Inoperative traffic signals, stop and proceed when safe.

I

21801(a)

Left turns or U-turns yield until reasonably safe.

I

21801(b)

Failure to yield, turning vehicle having yielded (lane by lane).

I

21802(a)

Entering through highway, yield until reasonably safe.

I

21802(b)

Failure to yield, by vehicle not a hazard.

I

21803(a)

Yield signs, yield until reasonably safe.

I

21803(b)

Failure to yield, by vehicle not a hazard.

I

21804(a)

Public or private property, yield to approaching traffic so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.

I

21804(b)

Failure to yield, by vehicle not a hazard.

I

21805(b)

Equestrian crossings, failure to yield by driver.

I

21805(c)

Horseback rider proceeding into path of vehicle.

I

21806(a)

Emergency vehicles, other driver failing to yield.

I

21806(b)

Emergency vehicles, motorman failing to yield.

I

21806(c)

Emergency vehicles, pedestrian failing to yield.

I

21950(a)

Crosswalks, failure to yield to pedestrians within.

I

21950(b)

Crosswalk, pedestrian running in front of vehicle.

I

21951

Crosswalk, overtaking and passing vehicle stopped for pedestrian within.

I

21952

Sidewalk, failure to yield to pedestrian on.

I

21953

Pedestrian yield, if protected crossing available.

I

21954(a)

Pedestrian yield, upon roadway outside crosswalk.

I

21955

Jaywalking, between signal controlled intersections.

I

21956

Walking on roadway, other than pedestrian's left edge.

I

21957

Hitchhiking, while standing in roadway.

I

21959

Skiing, tobogganing, on or across highway interfering with traffic.

M

21963

Fail to yield right of way to blind pedestrian.

I

21964

Other than blind person carrying white cane.

I

21966

Pedestrian in a bicycle lane where pedestrian facility.

I

21968

Motorized skateboard on highway, bikeway, or trail.

I

22100(a)

Right turn at intersection, improper position.

I

22100(b)

Left turn at intersection, improper position.

I

22100.5

U-turn at traffic signal, only from left lane.

I

22101(d)

Required or prohibited turn, failure to obey official sign.

I

22102

U-turn in business district, other than from extreme left-hand lane at an intersection or opening in divided highway.

I

22103

U-turn in residence district, vehicle approaching within 200 feet.

I

22104

U-turn at fire station, in front of or using entrance.

I

22105

U-turn, vision obstructed within 200 feet.

I

22106

Starting or backing when unsafe.

I

22107

Unsafe turn, and/or without signalling.

I

22108

Turning without signalling last 100 feet.

I

22109

Stopping suddenly without signalling.

I

22110

Signal device, required body or load more than 24" left of steering wheel center, or when arm signal not clearly visible, except implements of husbandry.

I

22111(a)

Left turn hand signal, improperly given.

I

22111(b)

Right turn hand signal, improperly given.

I

22111(c)

Stop hand signal, improperly given.

I

22112 (a)

Schoolbus driver, must activate flashing red signal lights, amber warning lights, and stop signal arm system at schoolbus stop.

I

22112 (b)

Schoolbus driver, stop to load or unload pupils only at designated schoolbus stops.

I

22112 (c)

Schoolbus driver, check traffic, check lights, escort students with hand held stop sign at schoolbus stops.

I