Crossing a double yellow line while driving in California can be dangerous. Those who violate Vehicle Code 21460 can face severe consequences, including a fine and a point on their license. Depending on your situation at the time you are ticketed, you could even face a suspension of your driving privileges.
If you plan to fight back against a ticket for crossing double yellow lines while driving, the Simmrin Law Group can help. We have years of experience contesting traffic tickets in California. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
Defining California VC 21460
According to California VC Section 21460, it is a violation to cross double parallel solid yellow lines at any time. Under this statute, drivers are also prohibited from crossing double white solid lines or double parallel lines where one is broken in most situations.
There are some exceptions for crossing double white lines, including if the driver is:
- Turning left at an intersection
- Turning out of a driveway or private road
- Making a U-turn
Additionally, a driver can cross double parallel lines where one is broken if the broken line is the first line they cross and they are crossing to pass a vehicle in front of them before reentering their lane.
Penalties for Crossing Double Yellow Lines
Crossing double yellow lines is an infraction under VC 21460. A violation can result in a fine of $234 and a point on your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record. Additionally, you could face a negligent operator license suspension if you collect too many points within a specific time period.
A negligent driver suspension will occur if you accumulate:
- Four points within a 12-month period
- Six points within a 24-month period
- Eight points within a 36-month period
In addition to a potential suspension of your license, points on your driving record are reported to your insurance provider. As a result, you could potentially face years of increased insurance rates.
Benefits of Attending Traffic School
You will not be required to attend traffic school after receiving a ticket for crossing double yellow lines under California VC Section 21460. However, it might be in your best interest to do so anyway. By attending traffic school, you will likely be able to avoid getting a point added to your license.
This can be crucial, especially if you are close to having enough points for a negligent driver’s license suspension.
Failure to Appear
The last thing you want to do if you receive a ticket under Vehicle Code 21460 is to ignore it. The consequences for this course of action can be far more severe and may include a jail sentence. When ticketed in California, a driver is required to sign a written promise to appear in court.
Failure to appear is a violation of California Vehicle Code 40508. This is a misdemeanor offense in California. If you are found guilty of willfully failing to appear in court, you could face:
- Up to six months in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Summary probation
You can be found guilty of violation VC40508, even if you were not guilty of the underlying offense for which you were initially ticketed.
Defenses Against a Vehicle Code 21460 Ticket
There are many potential defenses that you might be able to use if you are facing a Vehicle Code 21460 ticket. Some of the most common defenses include:
- Exception
- Emergency
- No violation
Exception
As mentioned, there are exceptions for crossing double parallel lines in some situations. For example, if you crossed a double white line while committing a legal U-turn, you should not have been ticketed for violating VC 21460.
Emergency
There are some emergency situations where you may have been justified in crossing a double parallel line. For instance, if you crossed the line to avoid a collision, you have not violated Vehicle Code 21460.
No Violation
Sometimes police officers make mistakes. Perhaps you crossed a double yellow line to pass a vehicle in front of you in an area where the line nearest you was broken. The police officer may have been mistaken about where the pass occurred and thought you passed further down the road where both yellow lines were solid.
It can be challenging to beat a traffic ticket without evidence to support your case. If you can provide witnesses, photographs, or video surveillance, your odds of getting your ticket thrown out will increase dramatically.
Find a Traffic Violations Lawyer in California
A traffic violations lawyer can be invaluable if you face a ticket for crossing double yellow lines under California Vehicle Code 21460. Not only will they increase your odds of beating the ticket, but they can also go to court on your behalf. You will not receive a charge for failing to appear if your attorney goes to court in your stead.
At the Simmrin Law Group, we have helped countless people fight back against traffic tickets. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to get a free, no-obligation consultation today. We will review your case and advise you of your legal options.