CVC 26451 Mirror Requirements Ticket – What It Means & How to Fight It
Operating vehicle without required mirrors
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 26451?
Operating vehicle without required mirrors
Common scenarios
- You got pulled over because your passenger side mirror was cracked. You had it replaced the next day and kept the receipt.
- Your truck is an older model that only requires a rearview mirror, but the officer thought you needed side mirrors too.
- You borrowed a friend’s car, and the side mirror was loose but still attached. The officer said it wasn’t enough, but you have photos showing it was there.
Key facts
- Mirrors Required by Law: California law requires at least one mirror that lets you see 200 feet behind your vehicle. Most cars have a rearview mirror and side mirrors to meet this.
- Fixing the Issue Helps: If your mirror was missing or broken, fixing it quickly and keeping proof can help reduce or dismiss the ticket.
- Not All Vehicles Are the Same: Some older or special vehicles have different mirror requirements. This can be a strong defense if your vehicle meets those rules.
Fine breakdown for CVC 26451
| 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 26451?
This law says your car must have the right mirrors to drive safely. Mirrors help you see behind and beside your vehicle. Without them, you might miss other cars, bikes, or pedestrians.
If you got a ticket for CVC 26451, it means an officer thinks your vehicle didn’t have the required mirrors while you were driving. This can happen if a mirror is missing, broken, or not the right type.
Why does this matter?
Mirrors keep you and others safe on the road. They help you:
- Change lanes safely
- Back up without hitting something
- Watch for cars in your blind spots
Driving without proper mirrors can lead to accidents. That’s why the law requires them.
What to do next?
Don’t panic. This ticket is usually easy to fix. You can:
- Check your mirrors and replace or repair any missing or broken ones
- Gather proof like photos or receipts
- Consider fighting the ticket if you had the mirrors but the officer made a mistake
We’ll help you understand your options and write a strong defense if you want to fight 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
Your vehicle actually had the required mirrors, but the officer made a mistake or didn’t see them clearly.
Defense 2
The missing or broken mirror was fixed promptly after the stop, showing you took responsibility.
Defense 3
The vehicle is an older model or special type that legally requires fewer mirrors.
Defense 4
The mirror was temporarily removed for repairs and you were not driving far without it.
Defense 5
The citation was issued in error because the officer confused your vehicle with another.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 26451 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 26451
Can I get a ticket if my mirror is just cracked or loose?
Yes. If the mirror doesn’t work properly or is unsafe, you can get a ticket. It’s best to fix it as soon as possible.
What kind of mirrors do I need on my car?
You need at least one mirror that shows the road behind you for 200 feet. Usually, that means a rearview mirror and side mirrors.
Can I fight this ticket if I had the mirrors?
Yes. If your mirrors were there and working, you can explain that to the court and show proof like photos or videos.
Will fixing the mirror after the ticket help me?
Often, yes. Showing you fixed the problem quickly can help reduce fines or get the ticket dismissed.
Are mirror requirements different for trucks or older cars?
Sometimes. Some vehicles have different rules. Knowing your vehicle’s requirements can be a good defense.