The California Vehicle Code (CVC) requires motorists to use the right half of the roadway, except in certain situations. These regulations fall under 21650 CVC, and failure to comply can result in traffic tickets, fines, and points against your license.
What Is Vehicle Code 21650 CVC?
According to Vehicle Code 21650 CVC, motorists must stay in the right lane or on the right side of the road, unless an exception applies (more on that later).
CVC 21650: Real-World Examples
Below are three examples of how CVC 21650 applies in real-world scenarios:
- Driving in the left lane without justification: You stay in the left lane of an empty rural road without thinking too much about it. That’s a violation of CVC 21650, unless you’re legally passing another vehicle.
- Improper lane usage on one-way streets: You leave a parking lot and turn into the left lane of a two-way street instead of the right. This kind of behavior goes against Vehicle Code 21650.
- Staying in the left lane longer than necessary: You overtake a slower vehicle on a two-lane road but fail to return to the right lane. This is a CVC 21650 violation because you must return to the right lane after passing.
How CVC 21650 Affects Different Road Users and Vehicles
CVC 21650 applies to all vehicles, but its implications depend on the type of road user. Let’s see a few examples.
- Bicyclists: California bicycle laws prohibit cyclists from riding against the traffic. If you’re on a bike, you should stay as close to the right side of the road as possible or use designated bike lanes. However, you can switch lanes to pass another vehicle, avoid a hazard, or turn left. These regulations are covered by CVC 21650.1.
- Motorcyclists: Bikers are subject to the same rules as motor vehicle drivers, meaning they must use the right half of the road. However, they may lane-split, or ride between lanes during traffic jams, if it’s safe to do so and doesn’t require crossing double yellow lines.
- Large vehicles/trucks: For buses and other large vehicles, staying on the right side of the road is critical due to their size. Trucks, for example, must drive in the right-hand lane or designated lanes. If the road has four or more lanes, they may use the second-to-right lane.
- Emergency vehicles: Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles must follow CVC 21650, too. However, California law allows them to use the left lane when responding to emergencies.
Exceptions to CVC 21650
When can you legally drive in the left lane?
✅When overtaking another vehicle traveling in the same direction
✅When driving on a one-way street
✅When making a left turn
✅When the road is too narrow (e.g., mountain passes or small streets in residential areas)
✅When the right side of the road is closed for construction or repairs
In any of these circumstances, you may drive on the left only if it’s safe. For example, you need to make sure there’s no oncoming traffic when passing other vehicles.
Traffic Tickets and Other Penalties for Violating CVC 21650
If you’re found guilty of violating CVC 21650, you’ll be charged with an infraction. The penalties are less severe than those associated with a misdemeanor but can still impact your driving record.
This traffic offense will result in a ticket carrying a $238 fine and one demerit point. Under the California DMV point system, you could get your license suspended if you accumulate:
- 4 points within one year
- 6 points within two years
- 8 points within three years
Did you know that:
- One point on your record = 20-30% insurance increase?
If you pay $3,000 per year for car insurance, a single point could cost you $600–$900 extra annually. Over 3 years, that’s $1,800–$2,700 lost!
That’s a lot of money, but you may be able to hide the point from insurers by going to traffic school.
Related Violations
In California and most states, you can receive a ticket for multiple offenses, depending on your behavior behind the wheel. Violating CVC 21650 could also be considered reckless driving if your actions show a willful disregard for safety. This would result in more severe penalties, such as license suspension and jail time.
Listed below are other violations related to 21650 CVC:
CVC 21755: Unsafe Passing on the Right
Per section 21755 of the CVC, motorists can pass other vehicles on the right only when it’s safe to do so. Also, make sure you can perform this maneuver without driving off the paved or main-traveled portion of the street.
CVC 21654: Slow-Moving Vehicles
This section of the CVC prohibits slow motorists from using a lane other than the right-hand lane, except when overtaking another vehicle or turning left.
CVC 21651: Driving on a Divided Highway
Under California Vehicle Code, Section 21651(a), motorists may not drive on or cross over the dividing section of a highway. The law also prohibits them from making a left, semi-circular, or U-turn across divided highway barriers, such as double yellow lines, unless there is a marked opening.
Per Sections 21651(b) and (c), driving on the wrong side of the road is a wobbler offense, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The latter applies when your actions result in physical injury or death.
CVC 22107: Unsafe Lane Changes
This traffic law prohibits unsafe lane changes. Under 22107 CVC, motorists must signal and ensure the movement can be made safely before making a turn or switching lanes.
CVC 23103: Reckless Driving
Section 23103 of the CVC prohibits reckless driving, which involves operating a vehicle with deliberate disregard for other people’s safety or property. Simply put, a reckless driver is one who engages in dangerous behavior, despite being aware of the risks.
For example, going well over the speed limit in a residential area or zone is considered reckless driving. The same goes for street racing, brake checking, or swerving across lanes.
How to Deal with a CVC 21650 Ticket
A right-lane violation might seem minor, but it adds points to your record, increases insurance costs, and could lead to license suspension. Here are your options:
Pay the Fine
If you are guilty of the charge, you can pay the fine. Sure, you can choose to fight the ticket in court, but the costs may be higher than the fine imposed.
Depending on the court, you can pay the ticket online, by mail, or in person. Just make sure you do it before the due date on your citation.
Note that paying the fine is an admission of guilt, meaning the violation will go on your record — unless you complete traffic school.
This brings us to the next point…
Go to Traffic School
In California, traffic school is available to drivers charged with one-point moving violations. To qualify, you must plead guilty, pay the fine, and complete a DMV-approved course.
If you go this route, the point associated with your ticket will not appear on your public record. This will keep your insurance rates from increasing and potentially save you hundreds of dollars over several years.
First, double-check your citation or contact the court to ensure you’re eligible for traffic school. The judge may not give you this option if:
- You were driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the offense
- You were under the influence when you got pulled over for violating 21650 CVC
- Your driver’s license was expired or suspended, or you were driving without a license
- You have taken traffic school courses within the past 18 months
As a general rule, ask for traffic school before paying the fine. If you do it at a later date, the court may decline your request.
Next, register with a traffic school licensed by the California DMV. For increased convenience, choose one offering online courses rather than classroom instruction.
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Fight the Ticket
Can you fight a CVC 21650 ticket? Yes! If you were wrongly cited, you can challenge the ticket by proving:
- The right lane was blocked by an accident, debris, or construction work.
- You were trying to avoid a crash, road obstacle, or emergency vehicle.
- You were driving on the left under one of the exceptions listed in CVC 21650.
- The officer may have misjudged your position on the road.
- Your ticket contains errors, such as the wrong location or vehicle description.
Evidence that can help you win:
- Dashcam footage
- GPS data
- Witness statements
Also, consider reaching out to a traffic lawyer to improve your odds of winning in court.
If you would rather not go to court, you may request a trial by written declaration. With this option, you’ll pay bail and then submit a letter and supporting evidence to the judge.
Request a Fine Reduction or Payment Plan
The fine for violating CVC 21650 is $238. If, for some reason, you can’t pay before the due date, you may ask the court for help.
Depending on your circumstances, the judge may agree to:
- Lower your fine
- Extend the payment due date
- Set up a payment plan
- Allow you to do community service instead of paying the fine
First, visit the court’s website to see the available options. Next, complete Form TR-320 and submit it to the court online, by mail, or in person (depending on the court’s policies). A judge will review your request and let you know how to proceed further.
Final Thoughts
A 21650 CVC violation isn’t a crime but can still add points to your record, leading to higher insurance rates. Plus, it may disqualify you from good driver discounts and make it harder to lower your premiums.
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