An infraction is a less serious offense than a misdemeanor. The biggest difference between the two is their severity and how they are punished. Unlike a misdemeanor, you can not be incarcerated for an infraction.

Some of the most common infractions in California are:

• Speeding, per Vehicle Code 22350 VC
• Tailgating, per Vehicle Code 21703 VC and
• Failure to yield to a pedestrian, per Vehicle Code 21950

Vehicle Code 22350

Vehicle Code 22350 is California’s basic speed law. This means that drivers may not exceed a speed limit that is deemed safe for the current conditions and circumstances.

22350 VC reads that “no person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”

An individual cited under this infraction faces a fine. You have the option to pay the fine, attend traffic school (allowance is once every 18 months), or you can fight the ticket in court.

Vehicle Code 21703 VC

Vehicle Code 21703 VC is California’s tailgating code that prevents drivers from following too closely to one another. A driver following another may not drive closer than is “reasonable and prudent”.

If you are cited in California for tailgating you face fines, DMV points, and potentially a license suspension for negligent operation. It is best not to ignore this citation as it can lead to a failure to appear charge which can be increased to a misdemeanor.

Vehicle Code 21950

Vehicle Code 21950 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians at any marked or unmarked crosswalk. While drivers must stop for pedestrians, pedestrians must also exude safety when crossing a roadway.

If you are cited in California for failure to yield to a pedestrian you face fines, DMV points, and potentially a license suspension for negligent operation. It is best not to ignore this citation as it can lead to a failure to appear charge which can be increased to a misdemeanor.

Call Mr. Ticket!

If you choose to appear in court and fight any infraction you are cited with, you are able to hire a lawyer like Mr. Ticket to represent you!