what exactly is an illegal lane change?

Question

I think the terms illegal lane change and improper lane change are interchangable. Does anybody know the legal defination of this term?

Answer 1

when u change lanes without signaling a desire with your blinkers.

Answer 2

Yes, the two terms are pretty much interchangeable -- though specific statutes may use one or the other as a formal definition.

What constitutes an illegal lane change varies by jurisdiction (country, state/province, county/city). In some areas, a lane change within so many feet of a traffic signal/light is illegal. In others, a second change within a sort distance after a first change is illegal.

Changing lanes when the road lines prohibit it is also illegal. For example, in the US, a solid white line usually indicates that a lane change is not allowed, even for traffic headed in the same direction.

The laws vary by jurisdiction, so many other examples are possible.

Answer 3

An illegal lane change is one that is committed in a zone where there is no lane change allowed, for instance at the approach to a highway crossing, or in the middle of an intersection.
An improper lane change is one in which you fail to signal your intention to change lanes, did so suddenly without allowing your signal to function, or if you happen to cut someone off in the process, hit someone in the process, or turned into the wrong lane going around a corner.

Answer 4

A lot depend son a given state's traffic law, but I would think an improper lane change would be one without using a turn signal. In most places it's not technically illegal but they strongly prefer people use their signals. An illegal lane change would be something like changing lanes when going through an intersection (something that's illegal in most if not all places but no one seems to realize).

Answer 5

An illegal lane change:

You are getting onto the expressway and the on ramp has a solid white line and then turns into a dotted white line. You are not supposed to cross that solid white line to get onto the expressway, you are supposed to wait until the dotted line. Or changing lanes in an intersection.

An improper lane change:

There are many different examples. Cutting someone off, Cutting across three lanes of traffic in one move. They are not considered illegal moves, but they cause dangerous situations.

Answer 6

An illegal lane change occurs when you change lanes at a point where lane changing is not allowed (i.e. at an intersection, or across a solid white line).
An improper lane change occurs when you are legally allowed to change lanes, but do so improperly (i.e. without signaling)

Answer 7

to me an illegal lane change is when you cross a solid line

an improper lane change is when you legally change lanes but fail to signal

I'm not sure these are the real definitions - just mine

Answer 8

Shut up liar.