CVC 23140 Under 21 DUI Ticket Explained | How to Fight & What to Do
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23140
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$100
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
2 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 23140?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23140
Common scenarios
- You were stopped for a broken taillight, and the officer gave you a breath test showing a low alcohol level. You didn’t drink much, but the test might have been wrong.
- You were sitting in a parked car with the engine off, and the officer claimed you were "in control" of the vehicle with alcohol in your system.
- You had a small sip of wine at a family dinner and then drove home, not knowing that any alcohol at all is illegal under 21.
Key facts
- Zero Tolerance for Under 21: If you’re under 21, California law says your blood alcohol content (BAC) must be 0.01% or less. Even a tiny amount can get you a ticket.
- Consequences Can Be Serious: Penalties include fines, license suspension, DUI school, and a mark on your driving record that can affect insurance.
- You Have Rights and Options: You can fight the ticket, ask for a reduced penalty, or attend programs to help keep your record clean.
Fine breakdown for CVC 23140
| 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 23140?
CVC 23140 means you were caught driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in your blood, but you are under 21 years old. California has a "zero tolerance" rule for drivers under 21. Even a tiny bit of alcohol can get you this ticket.
Why does this matter?
The law wants to keep young drivers safe and stop underage drinking and driving. If you get this ticket, it can affect your driving record, your insurance rates, and even your ability to drive legally.
What happens now?
You’ll likely need to:
- Go to court or handle it by mail
- Possibly attend a DUI education program
- Pay fines or face other penalties
But don’t panic! There are ways to fight or reduce the consequences.
What You Can Do Next
- Read your ticket carefully
- Consider your options: fight, negotiate, or attend a program
- Get help if you feel overwhelmed — you don’t have to do this alone
Remember, this is serious but manageable. Understanding your ticket is the first step to fixing 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
The breath or blood test was not done correctly or was inaccurate.
Defense 2
You were not actually driving or in physical control of the vehicle at the time.
Defense 3
The officer didn’t have a legal reason to stop you in the first place.
Defense 4
The alcohol level was so low it might have been caused by mouthwash or medication.
Defense 5
There was a mistake in how the officer filled out the ticket or collected evidence.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 23140 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 23140
Can I get a DUI if I only had one drink?
Yes. For drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol can lead to a DUI ticket under CVC 23140.
Will this ticket make me lose my license?
It can. Usually, your license may be suspended for a short time, but attending a DUI program might help you keep it.
What if I didn’t blow into a breathalyzer?
Refusing a breath or blood test can lead to penalties too, like automatic license suspension.
Can I fight this ticket if I wasn’t drinking?
Yes. If the test was wrong or the stop was illegal, you might have a defense.
Should I talk to a lawyer?
It’s a good idea. A lawyer or legal assistant can explain your options and help you get the best outcome.