CVC 24600 Stop Lamp Requirements - Fix Brake Light Ticket in California
Operating vehicle without functioning stop lamps
Written by
Violation category
Vehicle Equipment
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
0 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 24600?
Operating vehicle without functioning stop lamps
Common scenarios
- You got pulled over at night, and the officer said your brake lights weren’t working. You checked later and found one bulb was burned out. You fixed it and have the receipt.
- Your brake lights flickered sometimes because of a loose wire. The officer caught you during one of those moments. You took your car to a mechanic right after and got it repaired.
- You borrowed a friend’s car, and the brake lights were faulty. You didn’t know until you got the ticket. You contacted your friend and got the lights fixed.
Key facts
- All Brake Lights Must Work: California law requires every vehicle to have at least two functioning stop lamps that light up when you press the brake.
- Fix-It Ticket Usually Applies: Most tickets for CVC 24600 are fix-it tickets. That means you can fix the problem and show proof to avoid paying a fine or points.
- Safety First: Brake lights help prevent rear-end crashes by warning drivers behind you. Keeping them working is important for everyone’s safety.
Fine breakdown for CVC 24600
| 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 24600?
CVC 24600 means your car was caught driving without working stop lamps (brake lights). These are the red lights at the back of your car that light up when you press the brake pedal.
Why does this matter? Brake lights warn drivers behind you that you’re slowing down or stopping. If they don’t work, it’s harder for others to react safely. That’s why California law requires all stop lamps to be in good working order.
If you got this ticket, don’t panic. It’s usually a fix-it ticket, meaning you can repair the brake lights and show proof to the court. This violation doesn’t usually add points to your driving record, but it can lead to a fine.
What you should do next:
- Check your brake lights right away. Ask a friend to watch while you press the brake pedal.
- If any brake light is out, replace the bulb or get your car checked by a mechanic.
- Keep your repair receipt or proof of fixing the lights.
- Follow the instructions on your ticket to either pay, fix, or contest it.
Remember, working brake lights keep you and others safe on the road.
Quick summary:
- Stop lamps = brake lights at the back of your car.
- Law says all must work when you brake.
- Ticket means you need to fix them and show proof.
- Usually no points, but you might pay a fine.
If you want help writing a defense letter or understanding your options, ClerkHero is here to guide you step-by-step.
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
Brake lights were working at the time but went out shortly after the stop.
Defense 2
The brake light bulb was burned out and you repaired it promptly after the ticket.
Defense 3
The stop lamps were functioning, but the officer misread or made a mistake.
Defense 4
The vehicle was being towed or not driven, so the brake lights were not required to be on.
Defense 5
You were driving a vehicle with aftermarket or LED lights that the officer did not recognize as proper stop lamps.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 24600 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 24600
Will this ticket add points to my driving record?
Usually no. CVC 24600 is a fix-it ticket and doesn’t add points if you fix the brake lights and show proof to the court.
How do I prove I fixed the brake lights?
You can show a repair receipt from a mechanic or a photo of the working brake lights. Follow your ticket instructions for submitting proof.
Can I fight this ticket if I fixed the lights after the stop?
Yes. You can explain that the lights were broken but you fixed them quickly. Courts often allow this if you provide proof.
What if only one brake light was out?
California law requires at least two stop lamps working. If one is out, you still need to fix it to avoid the ticket.
Can I get this ticket if my brake lights work but the officer didn’t see them?
It’s possible. Sometimes officers make mistakes. You can contest the ticket by showing your brake lights were working.