
Improper Lane Change - Raleigh NC | Free Consultation
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Do You Have a Lane Change Ticket? We Can Help!
Lane changing is one of the most basic maneuvers a driver will make while behind the wheel. Although it may seem like a very simple task, there are actually a number of things that need to be taken into consideration before making a lane change. Failure to do so could result in an accident or, at the very least, a traffic violation
Understanding Unsafe Lane Changes
One of the most frequent causes of accidents is improper lane changes.
An unsafe lane change in North Carolina refers to a maneuver where a driver moves from one lane to another without properly ensuring that the move can be made safely. This can include failing to signal, not checking blind spots, or cutting off another vehicle. You can also be ticketed if you change lanes without keeping a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you and behind. Many drivers receive tickets for not observing restrictions on lane changes in construction zones.
In North Carolina, unsafe lane changes can result in traffic citations and, in some cases, more serious legal consequences if the maneuver leads to an accident. If a driver causes an accident due to an unsafe lane change, they can be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the incident. Additionally, repeated offenses or severe incidents can lead to increased penalties, including higher insurance rates and potential points on the driver’s license.
Common Unsafe Lane Changes
Improper lane changes are among the most common unsafe driving behaviors. Here are some examples of an unsafe lane change:
- Changing lanes without using turn signals
- Cutting off the other driver when changing lanes
- Changing lanes without checking mirrors or blind spot
- Swerving in and out of lanes
- Failing to yield the right of way when changing lanes
- Making an illegal lane change (e.g., on a freeway off-ramp)
What is a Safe Lane Change?
Safely changing lanes in North Carolina involves following a few key steps to make sure that the maneuver doesn’t endanger yourself or others on the road.
First, always use your turn signal well in advance of the lane change. This alerts other drivers of your intentions and gives them time to adjust their speed or position accordingly. Failing to signal can lead to confusion and potentially dangerous situations, especially in heavy traffic.
Next, thoroughly check your mirrors and blind spots before moving into the next lane. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that are not visible through your mirrors, so it’s important to glance over your shoulder to ensure the lane is clear and you have enough space.
Make the lane change gradually and at a steady speed, avoiding sudden or abrupt movements that could startle other drivers. If the traffic in the lane you’re entering is moving slower than your current speed, it’s advisable to adjust your speed to match before completing the lane change.
Drivers May Be Held Liable
If you cause an accident because you changed lanes improperly, you will likely be found at fault. This means that you will be responsible for paying for any damages that occur as a result of the accident.
If you have insurance:
Your policy will likely cover some or all of the costs associated with the accident.
If you don’t have insurance:
You will be responsible for paying for all of the damages out of your own pocket.
Is It Legal To Change Lanes In An Intersection In NC?
No, you are not allowed to change lanes within an intersection in North Carolina. You must signal your intention to change lanes and then wait until you have safely cleared the intersection before changing lanes.
Improper Lane Change Ticket Cost
Most tickets for an illegal lane change will cost the driver around $1,000 and in a majority of cases, an unsafe lane change ticket is a 2-point infraction in the point system which can result in a 45% insurance premium surcharge.
Also, traffic school may be mandated. If the ticket leaves you with more than 12 points in 3 years, your license may be suspended.
An experienced attorney can help you challenge the unsafe lane change ticket and avoid these consequences.
Improper Lane Change Consequences When an Accident is Involved
If an accident report is filed that indicates that your improper lane change caused the accident, the consequences can be more severe.
Financial Penalties | Civil Liability | Criminal Penalties |
---|---|---|
Traffic citation with fines | Compensation for vehicle repairs | Charges for reckless driving in severe cases |
Points added to driving record | Medical bills for injuries | Heavier fines and potential jail time for reckless behavior |
Increased insurance premiums | Pain and suffering damages if the accident caused serious injuries | Probation or mandatory driving courses for certain violations |
Potential suspension of driving privileges if points accumulate | Potential lawsuits for additional damages | Possible imprisonment for severe offenses |
How To Beat An Improper Lane Change Ticket
If you've been charged with unsafe lane change violations in North Carolina, there are several ways you may be able to challenge the ticket.
Show There Was No Violation
You may be able to beat the ticket by showing that you were not actually in violation of the law. For example, if you were changing lanes in an intersection in order to make a turn, you would not be guilty of an improper lane change. Providing evidence that your lane change was necessary and legally justified could help in getting the ticket dismissed.
Examine the Evidence and Report
You may also be able to beat the ticket by showing that the officer who ticketed you made a mistake. For example, if the officer mistakenly wrote down the wrong make and model of your car, this error could be grounds for dismissal.
Inaccuracies in the officer’s notes can cast doubt on the reliability of the ticket, especially if you can provide documentation, like a registration or insurance card, that proves the mistake.
Consider Mitigating Circumstances
If there were mitigating circumstances—like sudden road hazards or other drivers behaving unpredictably—that necessitated the lane change, presenting these facts might help you avoid penalties.
Contact a Law Firm
It’s also advisable to consult with a traffic attorney who can assist in reviewing the specifics of your case and help build a strong defense. An experienced traffic lawyer will know how to challenge tickets for unsafe lane changes and give you the best chance of winning your case.