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My ticket involves failure to stop at a stop sign under CA VC 22450(a) while driving from Napa to Sonoma. CA VC 22450(a) states: "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."

Assuming there was a limit line, my question is how do you define "at a limit line?" Does that mean before the limit line and no part of my car can be over the line?
In general, no part of the vehicle should be over that limit line. How much of your car was?

Here is the legal definition of the limit line:

377. A "limit line" is a solid white line not less than 12 nor more
than 24 inches wide, extending across a roadway or any portion
thereof to indicate the point at which traffic is required to stop in
compliance with legal requirements.


Ok, so what is "at the limit line?" Statute doesn't say "before the limit line."
It says stop "at" and not "on."

You are free to argue the distinction before a judge.

But, understand that if you take the matter to trial there is a possibility that the court will not permit traffic school should you lose even if it might be an option for you beforehand. Just one thing to consider.

I am from out of state and will not fight this in person. $234 is a steep fine though. I know I can request a trial by written declaration but want to know my chances of winning, getting a copy of the video or having the fine reduced. Also, do I have to pay the fee as bail when I submit the forms?
Very often you have to submit the bail before the TBWD. There are sometimes ways to waive that. Your chances of prevailing in a TVWD cannot be determined. But, if the officer says that you did not stop at or before the limit line, then you are likely to lose. Unless, of course, the judge agrees with your contention that the front end of the car being over the limit line is sufficient. I wouldn't count on that, however, as this can put pedestrians crossing at potential risk if crossing at the intersection.

Also, what if in further defense I stopped a car length back and then inched up to see the intersection and the above happened?
You still have to stop AT the limit line. Not a car length back, and not a little over.