California Vehicle Code Section 22107 is the part of California vehicle code that forbids unsafe lane changes. It mandates that when a driver wants to turn their vehicle or change lanes, they must ensure the movement can be made safely.
Before making the turn or lane change, the driver must give an appropriate signal in the manner required by law. This law makes other drivers and pedestrians aware of how a vehicle intends to move. This prevents accidents.
If you are charged with making an unsafe lane change, Simmrin Law Group can help you. Our lawyers can represent you in traffic court. For a free consultation, call our offices.
The Law in More Detail
This law applies in two situations: when you change lanes or when you steer your vehicle away from the center line you’re traveling. An example of the latter would be if there was some fallen debris in the roadway and you needed to dodge it.
Before you can move your vehicle to do either of these, two things must be present:
- It must be reasonably safe to move the position of the vehicle right or left
- You must give an appropriate signal to let others know what’s happening.
The most common way to signal is to use the turn signals built into all vehicles. Hand signals are also acceptable.
Other Laws that Apply
One area of confusion in this law is when you have to signal. The people around you must have enough time to notice your signal and react before you move. This is covered by VC 22108. This law requires all drivers to signal 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.
You cannot use any motion you want to signal if you’re turning or slowing down. Vehicle Code 22111 gives the rules governing hand signals. You need to know the signals for turning right, turning left, and stopping and use them soon enough that others can see what you’re doing.
For a free legal consultation with an unsafe lane changes lawyer serving California, call (310) 896-2723
Could I Be Found Negligent if I Break This Law?
Yes. Unsafe lane changes are a cause of “sideswipe” accidents. This is when the sides of two vehicles collide. If you cause a crash because you broke California Vehicle Code Section 22017, you may be considered at fault for the accident.
That’s because vehicle violations create a situation called “negligence per se”. This term means that the act is negligent in and of itself. Nothing else needs to be proven. The plaintiff doesn’t need to prove you acted negligently because you broke the law.
Therefore, you may be liable for paying for the other driver’s injuries and car damage. Your insurance may pay for it, but you’ll face higher insurance premiums because you caused a crash. You’ll have to pay the other party if you don’t have insurance and lose your case.
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What Are the Legal Penalties for Breaking California Vehicle Code Section 22107?
This crime is an infraction, which is less severe than a misdemeanor or a felony. Assuming you have no defense, you will receive a fine and have a point added to your driving record. The fine will vary, but it’s usually over $200 as of this writing.
If you have too many points within a certain period, the California Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend or revoke your driver’s license. You may also be forced to pay higher premiums because insurance companies track driving records.
You must also appear in court to explain what happened. If you fail to appear in court willingly, even if you are innocent, you will be charged with a misdemeanor for failure to appear. That can put you in jail for up to six months and you’ll receive additional fines.
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How Can I Defend Myself Against This Charge?
You can fight back against your charge of unsafe lane change by working with a criminal defense lawyer familiar with traffic violation cases. A lawyer can provide legal advice, help interpret the laws as they apply to you, and represent you in traffic court.
Some defense strategies that may apply to your case include:
- The signaling device wasn’t working.
- An emergency forced you to change lanes quickly to avoid an accident.
- The lane change was made safely despite not signaling.
- There wasn’t proper signage or road markings to locate the lanes.
In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge or take driver’s education classes. This could result in lower fines or other reduced penalties. An lawyer can advise on whether this is a viable option.
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Speak With a Traffic Defense Lawyer
Now that you know about California Vehicle Code Section 22107: Unsafe Lane Changes, it’s time to get help defending yourself against this charge. Simmrin Law Group can help you fight your charges in traffic court.
To get started, contact us immediately for a free consultation. An early call gives you a better chance of success when you appear in traffic court. Call now.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form