CVC 27315 Seat Belt Violation - What to Do If You Got a Ticket
Failure to wear properly adjusted and fastened safety belt
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 27315?
Failure to wear properly adjusted and fastened safety belt
Common scenarios
- You were wearing your seat belt, but it was twisted and the officer said it wasn’t fastened properly.
- Your seat belt buckle was broken and you couldn’t fasten it, so you got a ticket.
- You unbuckled your seat belt for a moment to reach something urgent, and the officer stopped you right then.
- You have a doctor’s note saying you don’t have to wear a seat belt, but the officer didn’t accept it.
Key facts
- Seat belts save lives: Wearing your seat belt properly reduces your chance of serious injury or death in a crash.
- This is a fix-it ticket in many cases: You might be able to fix the problem (like adjusting your belt) and show proof to avoid paying a fine.
- Fines and points: A CVC 27315 ticket usually comes with a fine and can add points to your driving record, which could affect your insurance.
Fine breakdown for CVC 27315
| 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 27315?
This law says you must wear your seat belt properly when you're driving or riding in a car. "Properly" means the belt is adjusted so it fits snugly and is fastened securely. If you get a ticket for CVC 27315, it means the officer saw you not wearing your seat belt the right way.
Why does this matter? Seat belts save lives. They keep you from getting thrown around or out of the car during a crash. The law wants everyone to buckle up for safety.
If you just got this ticket, it’s normal to feel worried. The good news is, this is a very common ticket and there are ways to handle it without too much hassle. Let’s break down what you need to know and how you can respond.
What counts as not wearing your seat belt properly?
- Belt not fastened at all
- Belt twisted or loose
- Belt worn behind your back or under your arm
All these can get you a ticket under CVC 27315.
What to do next?
- Check if your seat belt was actually fastened and adjusted correctly
- Gather any proof you have (photos, witness statements)
- Decide if you want to fight the ticket or pay it
Keep reading for common defenses and examples to help you understand 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
I was wearing my seat belt properly, but the officer made a mistake.
Defense 2
The seat belt was faulty or broken, so I couldn’t fasten it.
Defense 3
I was pulled over for an emergency and had to unbuckle briefly.
Defense 4
I am exempt from wearing a seat belt due to a medical condition (with proof).
Defense 5
The officer did not clearly see that I was not wearing the seat belt properly.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 27315 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
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You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
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Frequently asked questions about CVC 27315
Can I get this ticket if I’m just a passenger?
Yes. In California, all passengers 16 or older must wear a seat belt properly.
What if my seat belt is broken?
If your seat belt doesn’t work, you should fix it as soon as possible. You can use this as a defense if you have proof the belt was broken at the time.
Can I fight this ticket in court?
Yes. You can explain your situation and present evidence. Sometimes judges reduce fines or dismiss tickets if you have a good reason.
How much is the fine for this ticket?
Fines vary by county but usually start around $160. You might pay less if you attend traffic school.
Does this ticket affect my insurance?
It can. Points on your record might increase your insurance rates, so it’s smart to handle the ticket carefully.