Improper Lane Change in Florida
What is an Improper Lane Change?
Improper lane change is when a person changes or attempts to change lanes without an open and clear path.
In regard to improper lane changes Florida law states the following:
1) No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the middle of a roadway when passing another vehicle that is driving in the same direction, unless the left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic unless there is enough distance to allow the pass to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any other vehicle approaching from the opposite direction of the vehicle being passed. The passing vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as possible, and before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle.
2) No vehicle driving in any lane on any highway shall switch lanes until the driver has determined that the vehicle is not being approached or passed by any other vehicle in the lane or on the side in which the driver desires to move. The driver must also be certain that the move can be completely made with safety and without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the same direction.
Penalties for an Improper Lane Change
An improper lane charge is usually given to a person after an accident has occurred and the officers on the scene determine that the cause of the accident was an improper lane change. However, an officer can issue a ticket for an improper lane change if they witness a driver making an improper lane change.
Fines for an improper lane change can range from $65.00 to $300. However if other laws were broken or if people were injured because an accident occurred from the improper lane change the penalties and fines will be much higher.
In addition, an improper lane change will add three points to a person’s driver’s license which could ultimately lead to a license suspension and higher insurance rates.
Defenses
Most improper lane change violations are only based on the opinion of the police officer on the scene. Therefore, an individual can fight this charge because there are many factors that could cause a person to seem like they are made an improper lane change when in actuality they were following the law.
Call our Firm today and let us help you
Our experienced attorneys have successfully fought and won countless cases in traffic violations including improper lane changes. We have excellent resources and a team full of over-achievers that only want the best possible outcome for you. We are available to speak with you at your time of convenience. We want to help you! Call us today and set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys at 1-800-FIGHT-IT (1-800-344-4848) and let us help you formulate a solid defense for your case.
