What constitutes as unsafe lane change? What is the criteria?

Question

I was recently pulled over by a cop for unsafe lane change. I disagree with the ticket. I just want to know the criteria or examples that signify unsafe lane change. If you have a website that states the criteria that would be great!

I live in Texas.

I live in Texas. I could not find any info in google. That is why I am asking.

Answer 1

you have to signal before and untill your finished if you cross over more than one lane you have to stop in each and re-signal

Answer 2

The criteria can be any situaton the officer believes you inititate, that creats an unsafe condition.

It could be as simple as you changing lanes without signalling, or, if you signal was started after you began the lane change. It may be that you changed into a lane where the following car was forced to brake to make room, or even brake to hard in order for him to maintain a safe following distance. It may be that you made the lane change too quickly for the road conditions and the type of vehicle you were driving.

In other words, it may be the officer's judgement you are challenging, as much as any guidelines that may not have been applied. You can take, almost, any citation to court, but, unless you come up with reliable witnesses to the event, the office can, simply, say that he observed an unsafe situation as a result of your actions and, you are stuck.

By the way, a passenger in your vehicle would NOT be considered a reliable witness, because, as a passenger, he would not be aware of the same thing a driver should be.

Answer 3

Unsafe Lane Change

Answer 4

You're best bet in challenging the ticket is to look up the exact rules in Texas' MVD. There should be information available online for newbies studying to get their drivers license.

Some quick rules I'm aware of:
1. Always use your blinker (or hand signals).
2. Only change one lane at a time.
3. Dont change lanes in an area where the lanes are seperated by solid lines (yellow or white, single or double). Dotted/dashed lines only.
4. Dont speed up to change lanes.
5. Dont cut anyone off while changing lanes.
6. Dont change lanes in a school zone.
7. Dont change lanes in an intersection, or too close before the intersection. You're better to wait until you're thru the light & then change lanes.

Good luck!

Answer 5

1. Make sure the lane you wish to change to is clear. Do this by checking your mirror and then doing a "head check" or looking over your shoulder.

2. Signal your intention to change lanes, usually 3 seconds in advance.

3. Make the lane change in a single, graceful motion.

4. After changing lanes, cancel your turn signal.

That's what constitutes a safe lane change. If you failed to look or didn't signal, that's an unsafe lane change.

Answer 6

I couldn't find any websites that would constitute this. I was trying to investigate a ticket I got recently! The only thing I could think of is not signaling, cutting a car off, Speeding up significantly to change lanes, and not putting adequate distance between a semi or car when you change lanes.

Answer 7

An unsafe lane change meant you caused other cars to take evasive action so as not to collide with you.
Here is a tip when changing lanes. Look in your side mirror if you can see the whole car then ylook in the blind spot and if there is still room then change lanes.
Or if you can see the whole car in your rear vison mirror then check your blind spot before changing lanes.
ALWAYS CHECK TURN YOUR HEAD AND CHECK YOUR BLIND SPOT.

Answer 8

Some examples (this is not a complete list) include not signalling early enough, cutting someone off, changing lanes where your view is obstructed so you cannot tell if it is safe, changing multiple lanes at once (you are supposed to change one at a time), changing lanes too close to an intersection...

Answer 9

google the info in your state.

Answer 10

FORUM.FREEADVICE.COM...NEEDS STATE YOU ARE IN