CVC 21801 Failure to Yield Ticket in California - What It Means & How to Fight
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21801
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 21801?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21801
Common scenarios
- You’re turning left at an intersection and the oncoming car was speeding and didn’t slow down, so you had to stop and wait.
- You approached a yield sign, but a pedestrian suddenly stepped into the crosswalk without warning.
- You stopped at a stop sign and looked both ways, but another driver ran their stop sign and almost hit you.
Key facts
- Failure to Yield Can Cause Accidents: This law helps prevent crashes by making sure drivers take turns and watch for others on the road.
- You Must Yield When Turning Left: If you’re turning left, you have to wait for oncoming cars to pass before you go.
- Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way: You must stop for people crossing the street, even if you have a green light.
Fine breakdown for CVC 21801
| 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 21801? Failure to Yield Right of Way
If you got a ticket for CVC 21801, it means the officer says you didn’t give the right of way to another driver or pedestrian when you were supposed to. This law is about sharing the road safely and letting others go first when the rules say so.
Why Does This Matter?
Failing to yield can cause accidents because it messes up the flow of traffic. The law wants everyone to take turns and avoid crashes.
What Does the Law Say?
- When you’re turning left, you must wait for oncoming traffic to clear before you go.
- If you’re at a stop sign or yield sign, you must let other cars or pedestrians with the right of way go first.
- You must always watch for pedestrians crossing and stop for them.
What Happens Now?
Getting this ticket feels scary, but don’t worry. You can learn your options and maybe fight the ticket if you think it’s wrong. Keep reading to understand how to defend yourself and what to expect.
What You Can Do Next
- Check if the officer’s story matches what really happened.
- Think about whether signs or signals were clear.
- Consider if you had to stop or slow down but didn’t.
Remember, you have the right to explain your side in court or sometimes even settle without going in person.
You’re not alone — many drivers get this ticket and handle it successfully. Let’s break down what to know and how to prepare.
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 had the right of way because the other driver didn’t obey their stop or yield sign.
Defense 2
The traffic signals or signs were not visible or were confusing at the time.
Defense 3
I was already in the intersection when the other vehicle entered unexpectedly.
Defense 4
There was an emergency situation requiring me to move quickly.
Defense 5
The officer made a mistake about who failed to yield.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 21801 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 21801
What does it mean to fail to yield right of way?
It means you didn’t let another driver or pedestrian go first when you were supposed to. This can happen at stop signs, yield signs, or when turning.
Can I fight a failure to yield ticket?
Yes! If you believe you did yield or the other driver was at fault, you can present your side in court or with a written letter.
Will this ticket affect my insurance?
Often, yes. Insurance companies may raise your rates because this ticket shows risky driving behavior.
What if I didn’t see the other car or pedestrian?
You’re expected to watch carefully. Not seeing them usually isn’t a good defense unless something blocked your view.
Do I have to go to court for this ticket?
Not always. You can sometimes handle it by mail or online, but if you want to fight it, you’ll likely need to appear in court.