Traffic Enforcement Penalties

If you fail to wear a seat belt

California law requires all occupants to wear seat belts. Drivers are fined for their own or their passengers’ violations.

If a child is not properly secured in a vehicle

Children under 8 must be in a car seat or booster in the rear seat. Failure results in fines and potential DMV point penalties.

If you drive without insurance

Driving without liability insurance may result in fines from $100 to $200 for the first offense and suspension of registration.

If you drive with a suspended license

Operating a vehicle with a suspended license can result in criminal charges, fines up to $1,000, and possible jail time.

If you fail to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk

Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Failure to do so results in citations and increased penalties in injury cases.

If you do not stop for a school bus with red lights

Failing to stop when a school bus has flashing red lights is a serious offense and may also result in license suspension.

If you commit a hit-and-run involving property damage

Fleeing the scene after damaging another’s property may result in a fine up to $1,000 and 6 months in jail.

If you are caught with expired vehicle registration

Driving with expired tags results in fines, towing, and penalties based on how late the registration is.

If you fail to appear in court after a citation

Not resolving a citation results in license suspension and a civil assessment of up to $300 on top of the original ticket.

If you drive in a carpool lane illegally

Unauthorized use of HOV lanes during restricted hours carries a hefty fine and may include DMV points.

If you fail to stop at a stop sign

California law requires a full stop at stop signs. Rolling through is considered a violation and may increase your insurance rates.

If you text or use a handheld phone while driving

Using a handheld phone or texting while driving is illegal. A second offense adds 1 DMV point to your record.

If you fail to yield to an emergency vehicle

You must pull over and stop for any emergency vehicle using lights and sirens. Failure to do so is a serious offense.

If you drive with an expired license

Driving with an expired license is illegal and may lead to citations, court appearances, and additional fees.

If you abandon your vehicle on a public road

Leaving a vehicle unattended on a highway or blocking traffic may result in removal and fines under local ordinances.

If you fail to signal before turning

Signaling is required for at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes. Not doing so is considered a moving violation.