CVC 13004(a) Ticket: False Statements on Driver License Application Explained
False statements in driver license application
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
0 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 13004(a)?
False statements in driver license application
Common scenarios
- You accidentally wrote the wrong birthdate on your license application but didn’t mean to lie.
- The DMV entered your address incorrectly, and the ticket claims you gave false info.
- You listed a previous license number, but it was outdated and caused confusion.
- You forgot to update your name after marriage, and the officer says it’s false info.
- You misunderstood a question on the form and gave an answer that seemed false.
Key facts
- Honest mistakes happen: Not every error is a lie. The law targets intentional false statements, so honest errors can be defended.
- Proof matters: Keep copies of your application and any documents that show your info was correct or corrected quickly.
- Penalties can be serious: False info can lead to fines, license suspension, or denial. Fighting the ticket can protect your driving record.
Fine breakdown for CVC 13004(a)
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
How Much Is a Stop Sign Ticket in California? (2025 Expert Guide)
A stop sign ticket in California usually costs $238 to $490 in 2025 depending on your county. But the real cost is much higher because the ticket adds one DMV point, triggers insurance hikes, and stays on your record for 3 years. That single roll-through can easily cost $1,000+ over time.
This guide breaks everything down in simple, clear language based on real officer behavior, California court data, and ClerkHero’s experience helping thousands of drivers fight tickets.
Overview
Stop sign tickets are one of the most common violations in California. Officers write these constantly because they’re easy to observe and often happen in residential neighborhoods, school zones, and high-enforcement areas.
Most drivers don’t realize:
- A “roll stop” of even 2 mph counts as a violation.
- Officers often sit past the intersection, not next to the sign.
- Counties charge different total fine amounts because of added local fees.
- Insurance companies use this violation as a risk marker.
This guide explains the law, what officers look for, real examples, and how to fight it using a Trial by Written Declaration.
What the Law Says (CVC 22450)
California Vehicle Code 22450(a) says:
“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…”
Plain English:
- If there’s a limit line, you must stop before it.
- If no limit line, stop before the crosswalk.
- If neither, stop before entering the intersection.
- Slowing down doesn’t count.
Why People Get Stop Sign Tickets (Real Scenarios)
1. “Creeping” or slow rolling stops
Even 1–4 mph counts. It must be zero wheel movement.
2. Stopping after the limit line
Stopping in the crosswalk is still a violation.
3. Two-stop intersections
Some areas legally require two stops — once at the line, once for visibility.
4. Officer visibility traps
Cops hide behind bushes, on motorcycles, or around corners. You think you're alone — you're not.
5. Habitual “California stop”
Drivers used to their route get lax. Officers know this.
Penalties for a Stop Sign Ticket
- Fine: $238–$490 (varies by county fees)
- DMV Point: 1 point on your record (lasts 3 years)
- Traffic School: Available if eligible to mask the point
- Court Appearance: Not required unless contested
Insurance Impact
- Premium increase: 10%–30%
- Duration: Usually 3 years
- Total cost impact: $600–$1,000+
Insurers view this as a risk behavior tied to intersection collisions and school zone incidents.
What Officers Look For (Insider Tips)
- No complete stop at limit line or before crosswalk
- Wheels in motion (even creeping)
- Late or after-line braking
- Rolling right turns
- Officer positioned to see tire movement or vehicle nose
Key test: Full wheel stop for 1–2 seconds.
High-Fine vs. Low-Fine Counties
| County | Fine Tier |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | High |
| Alameda | High |
| Santa Clara | High |
| Riverside | Medium |
| San Diego | Medium |
| Orange | Medium |
| Rural counties | Lower fees |
How to Fight a Stop Sign Ticket (CVC 22450)
1. Trial by Written Declaration (Best Method)
- No court date
- Officer must submit written rebuttal
- If officer skips? You win.
2. In-Person Trial
- Second chance if you lose the declaration (Trial de Novo)
3. Citation Errors
ClerkHero flags:
- Wrong code
- Misidentified intersection
- Officer inconsistencies
Defense Strategies That Win (Real Examples)
- Obstructed officer view (tree, truck, curve)
- Faded/missing limit line makes precise stopping unclear
- Two-stop intersections not explained to driver
- Officer positioned past the line (couldn’t see wheels stop)
- Pedestrian or obstacle safety pause
- Officer’s written narrative conflicts with reality
Tips to Avoid Getting a Stop Sign Ticket
- Stop before the limit line
- Count “1 one-thousand, 2 one-thousand” before moving
- Treat every stop sign like it’s being watched
- Never roll through a right turn
- Always stop twice if your view is blocked
Long-Term Impact
- DMV Record: 3 years
- Insurance: Increased premiums
- License risk: Too many points can lead to suspension
Summary
A stop sign ticket may seem minor, but the financial and legal consequences are anything but. With fines, insurance hikes, and a DMV point that stays for years, the real cost can exceed $1,000+. But with the right strategy, most of these tickets can be contested and won without going to court.
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Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
I made an honest mistake or typo on my application.
Defense 2
The DMV made an error when entering or processing my information.
Defense 3
I didn’t knowingly give false information; it was a misunderstanding.
Defense 4
The information I provided was true at the time of application.
Defense 5
I corrected the false information as soon as I realized the mistake.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 13004(a) online
ClerkHero builds your entire TR-205 defense packet automatically. No lawyer. No court visit. No confusing forms. Just upload your ticket and we handle the rest.
Step 1
Upload your ticket
We extract all violation details using hybrid OCR and AI. Works for handwritten, camera, and printed citations.
Step 2
We generate your defense
You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
Sign, mail, and track
You receive a complete filing packet with step-by-step instructions. Never miss a deadline again.
Frequently asked questions about CVC 13004(a)
Can I get my license taken away for this?
Yes, but usually only if the false info was serious or intentional. If it was a mistake, you have a good chance to keep your license.
What if I didn’t know the info was false?
Not knowing can be a strong defense. The law focuses on knowingly giving false info, so honest misunderstandings help your case.
How do I prove I didn’t lie?
Show documents like birth certificates, previous licenses, or mail proving your info was accurate or corrected quickly.
Should I talk to a lawyer?
You don’t always need one, but if the case is complicated or you face big penalties, a lawyer can help.
Can I fix the info after getting the ticket?
Yes! Correcting your info with the DMV can show you acted responsibly and may help your defense.