CVC 23109 Speed Contest Ticket: What It Means & How to Fight It
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23109
Written by
Violation category
Speeding
Base fine
$100
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
2 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 23109?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23109
Common scenarios
- You were passing a slow car on the highway, and the officer thought it looked like a race, but you were just driving normally.
- You and a friend were driving on the same road but not near each other; the officer assumed you were racing because of your speeds.
- You accelerated to merge safely onto a freeway, but the officer interpreted it as a speed contest.
Key facts
- Speed Contest Means Racing or Challenging Another Driver: The law targets drivers who race or try to beat each other. Just driving fast alone is not always a speed contest.
- Penalties Can Include Fines and License Points: If convicted, you may pay fines and get points on your record, which can affect insurance and driving privileges.
- You Have the Right to Defend Yourself: You can explain your side, show evidence, or question the officer’s observations to avoid a conviction.
Fine breakdown for CVC 23109
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $100 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $380 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $480 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What is CVC 23109 - Speed Contest?
If you got a ticket for CVC 23109, it means the officer thinks you were involved in a "speed contest". This usually means racing or trying to beat someone else on the road by driving very fast.
California takes this seriously because street racing is dangerous. It puts you, other drivers, and pedestrians at risk. The law wants to stop people from racing on public roads.
What does "speed contest" mean?
- Racing another vehicle on the street
- Trying to beat someone in a speed challenge
- Driving fast in a way that looks like a race
What happens if you get this ticket?
- Fines and fees can be high
- Possible points on your driving record
- Your license could be suspended in some cases
Don't panic. Many people get this ticket by mistake or because the officer misunderstood what was happening. You can fight it with the right info.
What you can do now:
- Read your ticket carefully
- Think about what happened when you were stopped
- Consider if you were really racing or just driving normally
- Look at the common defenses below
If you want, ClerkHero can help you write a letter to fight the ticket and explain your side clearly.
Remember, this ticket is serious but not the end of the world. Stay calm and learn your options.
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 were not racing, just driving at a normal speed or passing another car safely.
Defense 2
The officer did not see a clear race or speed contest, only normal driving behavior.
Defense 3
There was no other vehicle involved in a contest; you were driving alone or traffic was light.
Defense 4
The officer’s description of the event is unclear or inconsistent with what actually happened.
Defense 5
You were driving under emergency or necessary conditions (like avoiding danger) and not racing.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 23109 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 23109
Can I get a speed contest ticket if I wasn’t racing?
Yes, sometimes officers mistake normal driving for racing. If you weren’t trying to race, you can explain that in your defense.
What should I do if I get a CVC 23109 ticket?
Don’t ignore it. Read your ticket, consider your options, and think about whether you want to fight it or pay the fine.
Will this ticket affect my insurance?
Most likely, yes. Speed contest tickets usually add points to your record, which can raise your insurance rates.
Can I get my license suspended for this violation?
It’s possible, especially if you have prior offenses. Check your ticket and consider legal help.
How can ClerkHero help me with this ticket?
We help you write a clear, polite defense letter explaining your side, which can improve your chances of reducing or dismissing the ticket.