CVC 21650(a) Explained: Why You Must Drive on the Right Side of the Road in California
Failure to drive on right side of roadway
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 21650(a)?
Failure to drive on right side of roadway
Common scenarios
- You briefly crossed the center line to pass a slow-moving tractor on a rural road, then returned to the right side.
- There was a large pothole on the right side, so you carefully moved left to avoid damaging your car.
- A police car was stopped on the right shoulder with flashing lights, so you shifted left to give space.
Key facts
- You Can Pass on the Left: The law lets you drive on the left side if you’re safely passing another vehicle going slower.
- Stay Right When Possible: Except for passing or emergencies, always keep to the right side to avoid crashes.
- Road Signs Matter: Sometimes signs or road markings let you drive left, like for turns or detours.
Fine breakdown for CVC 21650(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 21650(a)?
This law says you must drive on the right side of the road. It helps keep traffic flowing safely. If you get a ticket for "Failure to drive on right side of roadway," it means the officer thinks you were driving on the left side when you shouldn’t have been.
Why does this matter?
Driving on the right side keeps cars from crashing head-on. It’s a simple rule but very important for safety.
What should you know?
- You must stay on the right half of the road, except when passing another vehicle.
- If the road has multiple lanes going the same way, keep right unless passing.
- Emergency or construction zones might change how you drive.
If you got this ticket, don’t panic. Sometimes there are good reasons why you were on the left side. Let’s look at how to handle it.
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 was passing a slower vehicle safely on a two-lane road.
Defense 2
I moved left to avoid a hazard like debris or a stopped car.
Defense 3
The road was divided with a center lane for left turns, and I was using it correctly.
Defense 4
There was a police or emergency vehicle requiring me to move left for safety.
Defense 5
Road signs or markings allowed or directed me to drive on the left side temporarily.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 21650(a) online
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Step 1
Upload your ticket
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Step 2
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Step 3
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 21650(a)
Can I get a ticket if I crossed the center line to pass?
Usually no, if you passed safely and returned to the right side quickly. But if it was unsafe or illegal, you might get a ticket.
What if I moved left to avoid something on the road?
That’s often a good defense. You can explain you moved left to stay safe.
Does this law apply on highways with multiple lanes?
Yes, but you can use the left lanes for passing or when signs allow.
Can construction zones affect this rule?
Yes, sometimes cones or signs direct you to drive on the left side temporarily.
What should I do if I get this ticket?
Read the ticket carefully, gather any evidence (like photos), and consider contesting it if you have a good reason.