CVC 21400 Ticket: Emergency Vehicle Right of Way Explained & Defenses
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21400
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
1 point
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 21400?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21400
Common scenarios
- You heard sirens but were stuck in a traffic jam on a narrow street and couldn’t pull over right away. You slowed down and moved over as soon as it was safe.
- A fire truck was coming behind you with flashing lights and sirens. You pulled over to the curb and stopped until it passed.
- You saw a police car with lights on, but it was on the opposite side of a divided highway, so you stayed in your lane and continued driving safely.
Key facts
- Emergency Vehicles Must Use Lights or Sirens: For you to be legally required to pull over, the emergency vehicle has to be using flashing lights or sirens. If they aren’t, you don’t have to stop.
- Pull Over to the Right Side Safely: The law says you should move to the right side of the road and stop. Don’t just slow down or stop in the middle of the street.
- Stay Stopped Until It’s Safe: Wait until the emergency vehicle has passed and it’s safe before you start driving again.
Fine breakdown for CVC 21400
| 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 21400?
CVC 21400 means you didn’t give the right of way to an emergency vehicle. This can happen if you didn’t pull over or stop when an ambulance, fire truck, or police car was coming with lights and sirens on.
California law wants you to move safely out of the way so emergency vehicles can get through fast. This helps save lives.
If you got this ticket, don’t worry. It’s serious, but you have options to understand and fight it if you believe you did nothing wrong.
What you need to know:
- Emergency vehicles include ambulances, fire engines, police cars, and other official rescue vehicles.
- When you see flashing lights or hear sirens, you must pull over to the right side of the road and stop.
- Stay stopped until the emergency vehicle passes and it’s safe to go.
Why this matters
Moving out of the way quickly helps emergency responders get to accidents or fires faster. It can save lives.
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 already pulled over safely and stopped, but the officer didn’t see it.
Defense 2
The emergency vehicle wasn’t using lights or sirens at the time you moved.
Defense 3
You were in heavy traffic or a place where it was unsafe to pull over immediately.
Defense 4
The vehicle was not an official emergency vehicle (for example, a private vehicle with no sirens).
Defense 5
You followed all instructions from a police officer directing traffic.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 21400 online
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Step 1
Upload your ticket
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Step 3
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 21400
What if I didn’t hear the siren or see the lights?
If you truly didn’t notice the emergency vehicle, explain this in your defense. Sometimes sirens can be hard to hear, especially with loud music or windows up.
Can I get a ticket if the emergency vehicle wasn’t behind me?
Usually, you only have to pull over if the emergency vehicle is approaching you from behind or the same direction.
What should I do if I’m in an intersection when I hear sirens?
Finish crossing the intersection safely, then pull over to the right as soon as you can.
Can I keep driving if I’m on a highway and the emergency vehicle is on the shoulder?
Yes, if the emergency vehicle is not coming toward you in your lane, you don’t have to pull over but stay alert and drive safely.
How can I fight this ticket if I believe I did nothing wrong?
Gather any evidence like dashcam videos or witness statements showing you pulled over or that the emergency vehicle wasn’t using lights or sirens.