Criminal Defense Lawyers

Vehicle Code § 22450 CVC – Running Stop Sign in California

Have you recently received a ticket for running a stop sign in California? You’re not alone. Stop sign violations are one of the most common traffic infractions in the state. While it may seem like a minor offense, failing to stop at a stop sign can have serious consequences, including fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance rates.At Spodek Law Group, we understand how frustrating and stressful it can be to receive a traffic ticket. Our experienced traffic attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and options when it comes to fighting a stop sign ticket in California. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Vehicle Code § 22450 CVC and how to potentially beat a stop sign ticket.

What is Vehicle Code § 22450 CVC?

Vehicle Code § 22450 CVC is the California statute that requires drivers to come to a complete stop at stop signs and specific points before intersections and railway crossings. The key elements of this law include:

• Drivers must stop at the limit line (if marked) or before entering the crosswalk when approaching a stop sign at an intersection
• If there is no limit line or crosswalk, drivers must stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway
• At railroad crossings with stop signs, drivers must stop at the limit line or before crossing the first track
• Complete stops are required – rolling stops are not permitted under the law

It’s important to note that local authorities can also place stop signs at any location on highways under their jurisdiction to enhance traffic safety.

Penalties for Violating CVC 22450

If you’re cited for failing to stop at a stop sign under CVC 22450, you’ll typically face the following penalties:

• A base fine of $238, plus additional court costs and assessments
• One point added to your driving record
• Potential increase in auto insurance premiums

For most drivers, a stop sign violation is an infraction rather than a misdemeanor or felony offense. However, the consequences can still be significant, especially if you accumulate multiple violations.

Options for Handling a Stop Sign Ticket

When you receive a stop sign ticket in California, you generally have three options:

1. Pay the fine and accept the violation on your record
2. Attend traffic school (if eligible) to avoid the point on your record
3. Fight the ticket in court

Let’s take a closer look at each of these options:

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2024-03-21

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2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

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2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

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2024-03-12

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2024-03-12

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2024-02-28

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divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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1. Paying the Fine

The simplest option is to simply pay the fine and accept the consequences. However, this means you’ll have the violation on your driving record and likely face increased insurance rates. We generally don’t recommend this option unless you have no other choice.

2. Traffic School

If you’re eligible, attending traffic school allows you to keep the violation off your public driving record. To be eligible for traffic school in California, you must:

• Have a valid driver’s license
• Be cited for a moving violation
• Not have attended traffic school in the past 18 months
• Not have been cited for speeding more than 25 mph over the limit

Traffic school typically involves completing an 8-hour course either online or in-person. While you’ll still have to pay the fine and traffic school fees, it can help you avoid insurance increases.

3. Fighting the Ticket in Court

At Spodek Law Group, we often recommend fighting stop sign tickets in court. With the help of an experienced traffic attorney, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed or reduced to a lesser offense. We’ll discuss potential defenses in more detail below.

How to Fight a Stop Sign Ticket in California

If you decide to contest your stop sign ticket, there are several potential defenses we can explore:

1. Challenging the Officer’s Observation

One common defense is to challenge the officer’s ability to accurately observe whether you came to a complete stop. Factors that could impact the officer’s view include:

• Distance from the intersection
• Obstructions like trees, buildings, or other vehicles
• Weather conditions (rain, fog, etc.)
• Time of day (darkness, glare from the sun, etc.)

2. Proving Your Conduct Was Justified

In some cases, we may be able to argue that your failure to stop was legally justified. For example:

• You were avoiding an accident or hazard in the road
• You were following the instructions of a police officer or traffic control device
• There was an emergency situation requiring you to proceed without stopping

3. Claiming the Stop Sign Was Obscured or Newly Installed

If the stop sign was obstructed from view or recently installed without proper notice, this could be grounds for dismissal. We would need to gather evidence such as:

• Photos showing the obscured sign
• Records indicating when the sign was installed
• Testimony from other drivers or residents about the sign’s visibility

4. Arguing Mistakes of Fact

In some cases, we may be able to argue that you made an honest and reasonable mistake of fact. For example, if you stopped at what you believed was the limit line, but it turned out to be faded or improperly marked.

5. Constitutional Violations

Though less common, there may be grounds to challenge the stop on constitutional grounds if your rights were violated during the traffic stop or citation process.

The Importance of Legal Representation

While it’s possible to fight a stop sign ticket on your own, having an experienced traffic attorney on your side can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. At Spodek Law Group, our attorneys have extensive experience handling stop sign violations and other traffic offenses throughout California.Some key benefits of working with our firm include:

• In-depth knowledge of California traffic laws and local court procedures
• Ability to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissal
• Experience challenging evidence and cross-examining officers
• Handling all court appearances on your behalf (in most cases)
• Exploring all possible defenses and legal strategies

Don’t underestimate the impact a stop sign ticket can have on your driving record and insurance rates. Let our team fight for your rights and work to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stop Sign Violations

Here are some common questions we receive about stop sign tickets in California:Q: Do I have to come to a complete stop if there’s no other traffic around?A: Yes, California law requires a complete stop at all stop signs, regardless of traffic conditions. Rolling stops are not permitted.Q: How long do I need to stop at a stop sign?A: There’s no specific time requirement, but you must come to a complete stop where all four wheels cease moving. A good rule of thumb is to count “one-one thousand” before proceeding.Q: Can I get a stop sign ticket dismissed if it’s my first offense?A: While first-time offenders may have a better chance at leniency, there’s no guarantee of dismissal. The outcome depends on the specific circumstances and how you choose to handle the ticket.Q: Will a stop sign ticket affect my insurance rates?A: In most cases, yes. A stop sign violation is considered a moving violation and can lead to increased insurance premiums. This is one reason why it’s often worth fighting the ticket or attending traffic school.Q: How many points will I get on my license for a stop sign violation?A: In California, a stop sign violation typically results in one point being added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group for Your Stop Sign Ticket Defense

At Spodek Law Group, we understand the stress and frustration that comes with receiving a traffic ticket. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing aggressive and effective representation for clients facing stop sign violations and other traffic offenses.When you work with our firm, you can expect:

• A free initial consultation to discuss your case
• Personalized attention and regular updates on your case status
• Thorough investigation and evidence gathering
• Skilled negotiation with prosecutors
• Aggressive courtroom advocacy if your case goes to trial

We have a proven track record of success in handling traffic cases throughout California. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients, whether that means getting the ticket dismissed, reduced to a lesser offense, or minimizing the penalties.Don’t let a stop sign ticket impact your driving record and insurance rates. Contact Spodek Law Group today at 212-300-5196 to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you.

Table: Potential Defenses for Stop Sign Violations

Remember, the success of any defense strategy depends on the specific facts of your case and the evidence available. Our experienced attorneys at Spodek Law Group can help you determine the best approach for your situation.

Conclusion

Receiving a stop sign ticket in California can be frustrating, but you have options. Whether you choose to pay the fine, attend traffic school, or fight the ticket in court, it’s important to understand your rights and the potential consequences.At Spodek Law Group, we’re committed to providing top-notch legal representation for clients facing traffic violations. Our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and skills to challenge stop sign tickets and work towards the best possible outcome in your case.Don’t let a stop sign violation impact your driving record and insurance rates. Contact Spodek Law Group today at 212-300-5196 to schedule your free consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you navigate the complexities of California traffic law.