What VC 22450 actually requires
VC 22450 requires stopping "at a limit line" or, if none, at the entrance to the crosswalk. It does not require a stop at the stop sign itself. Many cases are built on the officer’s observation from an angle where they cannot actually see the limit line.
The observation-angle defense
If the officer was parked on a cross street or behind a tree, their viewpoint is often obstructed. A TBWD stating "at the angle described in the declaration, the officer’s view of the limit line was obstructed" shifts the foundation question to the prosecution.
Safe-stop-behind-line defense
If you stopped behind the limit line, you complied with VC 22450 — regardless of whether you also stopped again closer to the intersection. Draft the declaration to establish where you actually stopped relative to the limit line.