California · Vehicle Code

VEH §21461: (a) It is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a Department of Transportation approved

InfractionDUI / Traffic

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful for a driver to fail to obey traffic control signs or signals approved by the Department of Transportation that are erected to enhance safety or enforce traffic laws, except for violations covered under specific parking provisions.

Subsections

VEH §21461(a) — Failure to obey traffic signs/signals

Failure to obey traffic signs or signals is a violation of traffic laws. It occurs when a driver does not comply with posted signs or signal devices.

Read the full statutory text

(a) It is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a Department of Transportation approved supplement to that manual of a regulatory nature erected or maintained to enhance traffic safety and operations or to indicate and carry out the provisions of this code or a local traffic ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to a local traffic ordinance, or to fail to obey a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official. (b) Subdivision (a) does not apply to acts constituting violations under Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 22500) of this division or to acts constituting violations of a local traffic ordinance adopted pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 22500).

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.