California Vehicle Code 21658(a) requires drivers on laned roadways to stay as nearly as practical within a single lane and not move from that lane until it can be done safely. Officers issue citations under this section when a driver weaves between lanes without signaling or cause, drifts across lane markings, or travels straddling a lane line. It carries 1 DMV point. Unlike VC 22107 (which addresses the signaling requirement for lane changes), VC 21658(a) addresses whether the vehicle was staying within its lane at all.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, the following rules apply: A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
(b)
Official traffic control devices may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.
Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. (Original enactment.)
Fine & Penalty Amounts
Estimated totals include all mandatory state and county penalty assessments. Actual amounts vary by county court.
Violation Range
Est. Total with Assessments
Notes
Unsafe lane travel / weaving
~$490
Standard 1-point moving violation fine schedule.
The base fine of $238 applies to a standard VC 21658(a) infraction. After California's mandatory penalty assessments, the total typically reaches approximately $490. Exact amounts vary by county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.
VC 22107 requires a signal before any lane change when other traffic may be affected — it targets the signaling requirement. VC 21658(a) requires staying within a marked lane and not moving from it until safe — it targets the act of drifting or weaving regardless of signaling. You can be cited under either or both depending on what the officer observed.
The base fine is $238. After California's mandatory penalty assessments, the total typically reaches approximately $490, varying by county.
Yes. A conviction adds 1 point to your California DMV driving record for 36 months from the violation date.
Yes. Defenses include arguing the lane movement was necessary for safe operation, challenging whether the roadway was clearly marked, or disputing the officer's observation of the alleged weaving. A Trial by Written Declaration lets you contest without a court appearance.
Also frequently cited with
California drivers who receive this citation often have questions about these related violations.
