Vehicle Code 22450 VC - Running a Stop Sign
California Vehicle Code 22450 VC requires all drivers to come to a complete stop when approaching a stop sign. It prohibits rolling stops, and the vehicle must stop before entering an intersection's limit line or crosswalk. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver must stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.
This law also extends to stop signs in front of railroad crossings. When approaching a railroad grade, drivers must stop at the limit line before crossing the first track. Suppose there is no limit line. In that case, the driver must come to a complete stop at the entrance of the railroad grade crossing before proceeding.

VC 22450 also allows local authorities and law enforcement to place stop signs at any location along a highway as long as it is within their jurisdiction and enhances traffic safety.
Motor vehicle drivers in California must understand Vehicle Code 22450 and the special stops required. Violations include harsh fines and penalties for failing to correctly stop at a traffic sign.
VC 22450 VC says, "(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.
If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.
(b) The driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign at a railroad grade crossing shall stop at a limit line if marked; otherwise, it shall stop before crossing the first track or entrance to the railroad grade crossing.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local authority may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution providing for the placement of a stop sign at any location on a highway under its jurisdiction where the stop sign would enhance traffic safety."
Running a Stop Sign - Quick Facts
- VC 22450 list rules for stopping at intersections and railroad crossings.
- This law requires drivers to stop at the limit line or before entering the crosswalk.
- If there is no limit line, drivers must stop at the nearest point intersecting the road, giving a clear view of approaching traffic.
- Drivers are required to stop at all stop signs fully. There are no rolling stops.
- Stopping your car means zero speed and not moving forward.
- This law, called "special stops," is designed to provide safety and prevent accidents.
- When approaching a railroad grade, stop at the limit line before crossing the track.
- If there is no limit line, you must come to a complete stop at the entrance of the railroad grade crossing.
- Violations of this law include one point on your driving record.
What are the Proper Stopping Techniques?
To comply with Vehicle Code 22450 VC, all drivers should follow these proper stopping techniques:
- Start slowing down your vehicle early as you approach a stop sign.
- Always stay alert for oncoming traffic, crossing pedestrians, or cyclists.
- Bring your car to a complete stop before the limit line or crosswalk.
- A complete stop means your tires are not moving.
- Remember that "rolling stops" or slowing to a crawl before going through the stop sign is prohibited.
- Yield the right-of-way to any vehicles or pedestrians that arrive at the intersection before you.
- Only proceed through the intersection when it is safe.
What Are the Related Laws?
California has other laws related to Vehicle Code 22450 VC running a stop sign, including the following:
Vehicle Code 21453(a) VC - stop at red lights. Violations of this law result in a traffic ticket, a fine of up to $525, and one point on your driving record.
VC 21453 says. "(a) A driver facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown, except as provided in subdivision (b)."
Vehicle Code 21802(a) VC - yield to others at stop signs. This law requires that you yield to others at stop signs. Yield means to let users on the road go first. The law includes language about the immediate hazard and reasonable safety. Violations include a traffic ticket of $238 and one point on your driving record.
VC 21802 says, "(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway or are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."
Vehicle Code 21803(a) VC - yield at yield signs. This law requires that you yield to others at yield signs, meaning letting other users on the road go first. The law also includes language about the immediate hazard and reasonable safety. Violations include a traffic ticket of $238 and one point on your driving record.
VC 21803 says, "(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching any intersection that is controlled by a yield right-of-way sign shall, upon arriving at the sign, yield the right-of-way to any vehicles that have entered the intersection or which are approaching on the intersecting highway close enough to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety."
What Are the VC 22450 Penalties?
Suppose you fail to stop at a stop sign or railroad crossing. In that case, it's an infraction, which is not considered a crime, and you will not be subjected to jail time. The penalties include the following:
- A standard fine of $238.
- One point on your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension.
Suppose you are cited for VC 22450 for failing to stop, In that case, you can attend traffic school once every 18 months to avoid getting points on your DMV record.
Notably, you risk getting a negligent operator license suspension if you get four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in 36 months.
You might face increased insurance premiums because insurance carriers perceive your risk as higher the more points you have on your driving record.
What is Failure to Appear?
If you ignore the ticket and don't appear in traffic court at your appointed time, you could be charged with failure to appear under Vehicle Code 40508 VC. This misdemeanor carries fines of up to $1000 and six months in jail.
It does not matter whether you're innocent or guilty of the underlying VC 22450 traffic citation. You can violate VC 40508 by any of the following:
- Breaking a promise to appear in court,
- Pay bail,
- Pay a fine or
- Comply with any condition of the court.
What Are the VC 22450 Defenses?
If you want to challenge the VC 22450 citation in court, you can retain a lawyer and will not be required to appear personally. Some possible defenses include the following:
- Perhaps we can argue that you had an obstructed view and did not see the stop sign. Notably, authorities are responsible for ensuring that all traffic control signs are visible to drivers.
- Likewise, perhaps we can argue that the stop sign or limit line was obstructed by factors beyond your control, such as overgrown trees.
- Perhaps we can argue that there was a lack of proper signage.
- Perhaps we can argue the stop sign was not installed correctly under California's guidelines, such as the correct height or visibility.
- Perhaps we can argue that you did come to a complete stop, and the police officer who cited you can't prove you failed to stop entirely.
- Perhaps we can show evidence to prove you did stop, such as a dashboard camera or witnesses.
- Perhaps we can say that you had an emergency.
Contact our California criminal defense lawyers for more information. The Hedding Law Firm is based in Los Angeles, CA.
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