VC 22450 Intersection, Stop & Yield Tickets

Stop Sign Violation

California Vehicle Code 22450 requires a complete stop at every stop sign before a limit line, crosswalk, or the entrance to the intersecting roadway. A so-called "California rolling stop" — where the vehicle slows but does not come to a full stop — is a violation under this section. The ticket carries 1 DMV point and a base fine of $238, which grows significantly after state and county penalty assessments are applied.

DMV Points
1 point
Fine
~$234 and up
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California Vehicle Code § 22450 — Stop signs

Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

(a)
The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.
(b)
The driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign at a railroad grade crossing shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before crossing the first rail of the railroad.
(c)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local authority may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution providing for the placement of a stop sign at any location on a highway under its jurisdiction where the stop sign would enhance traffic safety.

Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 272, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 1994.

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
Stop sign violation (standard) ~$490 Total includes state and county penalty assessments.
Stop sign in school zone ~$490 May be higher depending on local ordinance and conditions.
The base fine of $238 reflects the minimum for a standard stop sign infraction. After California's mandatory penalty assessments are applied, the total typically reaches approximately $490. Exact amounts vary by county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions drivers search for after receiving this citation.

California law requires your vehicle to come to a complete and full stop — meaning zero miles per hour — at the marked limit line before a stop sign, or if there is no limit line, before the crosswalk, or if there is no crosswalk, at the entrance to the intersecting roadway. Slowing to 1–2 mph without the vehicle fully stopping is still a violation and is commonly called a "California rolling stop."
The base fine for a VC 22450 stop sign violation is $238. After California's mandatory state and county penalty assessments are added, the total typically reaches approximately $490. The exact total depends on the county where the citation was issued.
Yes. A conviction under VC 22450 adds 1 point to your California DMV driving record. The point remains on your record for 36 months from the violation date. Accumulating multiple points in a rolling period can trigger a Negligent Operator designation and potential license suspension.
Yes. Common defenses include arguing the stop sign was not clearly visible or properly posted, demonstrating the vehicle did come to a complete stop, challenging whether the officer had a clear line of sight to observe the stop, or filing a Trial by Written Declaration. The success of any defense depends on the specific facts and available documentation.
VC 22450 requires a complete stop. A "rolling stop" (also called a "California stop" or "California rolling stop") occurs when a driver slows significantly at a stop sign but does not bring the vehicle to a complete standstill. This is not a legal defense — a rolling stop is still a violation of VC 22450 regardless of how slowly the vehicle was moving.
Yes. A VC 22450 conviction adds 1 DMV point, which most California auto insurers treat as a "minor violation" and may use to increase your premium at renewal. The impact varies by carrier, your prior driving history, and how many other violations are on your record.

Also frequently cited with

California drivers who receive this citation often have questions about these related violations.

VC 21453 Red Light Camera Violation VC 22100(a) Improper Turn VC 21800(a) Failure to Yield at Intersection VC 21950(a) Pedestrian Crosswalk Violation VC 22452 Railroad Crossing Violation

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