Improper Lane Usage Traffic Offenses

 Posted on October 07, 2015 in Traffic Offenses

A host of Illinois residents have certainly received traffic tickets over their lives, but many people do not realize that improper lane usage is a ticketable offense until they are involved in an automobile accident or are pulled over for weaving between lanes. While improper traffic lane usage is only a petty offense, a citation can have a significant impact on your driving privileges and could result in an increase to your insurance. Furthermore, this traffic offense is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to two years of court supervision.

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-709, vehicles driving along Illinois highways and roadways that are divided into multiple lanes that are going the same direction must stay in their own lane as best as possible. A driver can deviate from their chosen lane of traffic only once the driver has deemed it safe to do so. Lane changes are allowed in order to pass another driver who is moving in the same direction as you, but may only be performed once the passing lane is clear and you have a safe distance in which to pass the slower-moving vehicle.

Changing lanes safely means that:

• You have plenty of room to safely change lanes;
• You have properly used your turn signal to indicate to the other drivers located around you your intentions to switch lanes; and
• You have checked all of your mirrors and your blind spots to make sure that you can make the lane change safely.

Improper Lane Usage and Accidents

Law enforcement officers responding to the scene of an automobile accident often determine fault for the accident and award a citation for improper lane usage to the party that they believe is responsible or at fault. But the officers’ assessment of the situation might be incorrect. You might not have been at fault and, as such, may have been improperly ticketed. You will need the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help you fight the citation that was issued against you.

Improper Lane Usage and Suspected DUI

Another common scenario is that law enforcement will use improper lane usage as a pretense for pulling over a driver suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any lane changing could be misconstrued by an officer as being an indication of alcohol impaired driving, and even if you do not show any signs of impairment upon being pulled over, the officer might still issue you the citation for improper lane usage. If your lane changes were conducted safely, then there is no reason why you should be cited for improper lane usage. Fight the citation by hiring a skilled traffic offense lawyer.

Call the Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley

If you have received a citation for improper traffic lane usage after being pulled over or after being involved in an automobile accident, you need to fight your ticket. Please contact a dedicated Rolling Meadows criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call the Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley. Our phone number is (847) 394-3200.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K11-709.htm