CVC 16028(a) California Ticket: How to Prove Insurance & Fight Your Ticket
Failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility when requested
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 16028(a)?
Failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility when requested
Common scenarios
- You were pulled over for a broken taillight and the officer asked for proof of insurance. You had insurance but left your card at home.
- Your phone died, so you couldn’t show the digital insurance card when the officer asked.
- You just bought a new car and had insurance, but the paperwork hadn’t arrived yet, so you couldn’t show proof during the stop.
Key facts
- You don’t have to pay fines immediately: Often, you can show proof of insurance to the court before your hearing date to avoid fines or points.
- Proof can be digital or paper: California law accepts electronic insurance cards on your phone as valid proof.
- This ticket is about showing proof, not having insurance: If you have insurance but forgot proof, you can usually clear the ticket by providing documents later.
Fine breakdown for CVC 16028(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.
What is CVC 16028(a)?
This law says you must show proof of car insurance if a police officer asks for it. It’s called "financial responsibility." If you don’t have proof with you during a traffic stop, you can get this ticket.
Why does this matter?
Car insurance protects everyone on the road. If you get into an accident, it helps pay for damage or injuries. The officer just wants to make sure you’re covered.
What counts as proof?
- A physical insurance card from your provider
- An electronic version on your phone
If you don’t have either when stopped, you could get a ticket.
How to handle this ticket?
Don’t panic! This ticket is often easy to fix by showing proof later. You might be able to avoid fines or points on your record.
What you can do now:
- Check if your insurance is active
- Find your insurance card or get a digital copy
- Consider fighting the ticket if you had proof but couldn’t show it
Remember, this ticket doesn’t mean you don’t have insurance. It just means you didn’t show it when asked.
You’re not alone, and there are ways to handle this without stress.
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
You had valid insurance but forgot or couldn’t produce the proof at the stop.
Defense 2
Your insurance was active on the date of the stop, and you can provide documentation later.
Defense 3
The officer did not properly ask for proof of insurance during the stop.
Defense 4
You showed proof of insurance but the officer failed to acknowledge it.
Defense 5
The insurance card or electronic proof was valid but temporarily inaccessible due to phone issues or other reasons.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 16028(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 16028(a)
What should I do if I don’t have my insurance card during a traffic stop?
Stay calm and explain to the officer you have insurance but forgot your card. Later, get a copy from your insurer and show it to the court or DMV.
Can I use a photo of my insurance card on my phone?
Yes! California accepts electronic proof of insurance, including photos or digital cards on your phone.
What happens if I don’t have insurance at all?
That’s a more serious issue and can lead to bigger fines and penalties. This ticket is specifically for not showing proof when asked.
Can I fight this ticket if I had insurance but no card?
Yes. You can show proof of insurance to the court before your hearing. Sometimes this helps dismiss the ticket.
How long do I have to provide proof of insurance after getting this ticket?
Usually, you have until your court date or a deadline set by the DMV. Check your ticket or court notice for details.