
California Vehicle Code Section 21658: Lane Weaving & Lane Straddling—also known as the lane straddling CVC—is a traffic law that prohibits drivers from weaving between lanes or straddling lane lines unless it is safe to do so and done with proper signaling. Drivers should know to keep their vehicles between the lines.
This regulation is in place because straddling the line—or weaving in and out of them—is very dangerous. A law enforcement officer might state that they witnessed you weaving in and out of lines or straddling a lane as a pretext to pull you over.
Once an accusation like lane straddling happens, the police might accuse you of a more serious crime, like driving under the influence. While a ticket is an annoyance, a criminal charge is much worse. If you’re in this situation, contact a Burbank criminal defense lawyer immediately.
What Happens if I Break California Vehicle Code Section 21658: Lane Weaving & Lane Straddling?
Traffic laws have been enacted over many decades for people driving cars in California. With these regulations in place, there’s a predictable pattern of driving that won’t interfere with traffic flow. That’s why breaking California Vehicle Code Section 21658 increases the risk of causing an accident.
If you are caught breaking this law, you’ll likely receive a traffic ticket and a point on your driving record. You might need to appear in court to explain yourself as well. In a worst-case scenario, violating this law could be used as evidence to pursue reckless driving charges.
Also, if you wonder, “Will my insurance rates increase after an accident?” the answer is likely yes—insurance rates often increase following collisions.
For a free legal consultation with a lane weaving & lane straddling lawyer serving California, call (310) 896-2723
What You Should Know About California Vehicle Code Section 21658
This law covers lane usage when two or more lanes of travel are going in the same direction, such as on a freeway. White dashed lines make it easier to see which lanes are intended to move in the same direction.
When you’re on a road like this, there are three things you must do:
- Stay in a single lane as much as possible.
- Move out of your lane only when it is reasonably safe to do so.
- Obey signs that direct you to switch out of your current lane.
Weaving in and out of lanes—or straddling a lane line—breaks all of these rules. If an officer believes you are disobeying any of these traffic rules, you can get pulled over, which naturally increases the likelihood that you’ll be ticketed.
California Lane Weaving & Lane Straddling Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
The Difference Between Lane Weaving and Defensive Driving
Lane weaving is when a driver moves back and forth between lanes without a clear purpose. It is often a sign of distracted or intoxicated driving. Furthermore, lave weaving also makes you unpredictable to other drivers and raises the risk of a collision.
Even though it is permissible to cross dashed white lines, you must do so in a safe manner. For instance, you should always use your turn signal far enough in advance so that other drivers on the road know what to expect. This is the safest way to warn other drivers.
If you have to suddenly respond to a situation—such as avoiding a collision or preventing yourself from getting involved in a dangerous situation—you can and should do so. Note that this is not lane weaving; it’s defensive driving, and it’s reasonable.
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What You Should Know About Lane Straddling
Lane straddling is an obvious problem because it creates a situation where one vehicle takes up two lanes of traffic. Not only does this confuse other drivers, but it can also raise the risk of a side-swipe accident. It can also be a sign of impaired driving.
Now, some vehicles are so large that they cannot help but straddle the line. However, unless you’re a commercial driver with experience carrying oversized loads, you’re unlikely to be in a vehicle where you are legally allowed to straddle lane lines.
Even large RVs can fit well within lane lines. At the same time, road markings might wear down and become less visible over time, which inevitably makes it hard to see where the lines are. This can result in a scenario where you’re straddling a lane line without knowing it.
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Possible Defenses Against Breaking California Vehicle Code Section 21658
If you’ve been cited for lane weaving or lane straddling, take your ticket to our law firm before your court date. When you tell us what happened, we can help you avoid points on your record or expensive court fines.
Here are some possible defenses we might be able to apply to your case:
- You had to change lanes quickly to avoid a safety hazard.
- The lane markings were faded or obscured, making them hard to see.
- Your vehicle had a mechanical issue that caused you to swerve.
- There was a sudden medical emergency that you couldn’t have anticipated.
Reach Out to a Burbank Criminal Defense Law Firm for Legal Representation
Lane weaving and straddling violations can result in more difficult circumstances than you might initially realize. At Simmrin Law Group, we have a track record of successfully defending many clients against charges stemming from California Vehicle Code Section 21658.
After all, a lane violation ticket isn’t just about the immediate fine—it can have lasting impacts on your driving record and insurance rates. Don’t underestimate the value of experienced legal representation.
Whether you’re dealing with a simple ticket or you’re facing charges related to lane violations, we’re here to help. Contact us today to set up a consultation, learn more about us, and understand how we can build a defense on your behalf.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form