How Large is a Ticket for Changing Lanes in an Intersection? – All About Unsafe Lane Change Tickets

We’ve all been there… stopped in a busy intersection behind a lead car who suddenly signals a left turn and has to stop… you’re furious and just wanna get around him. Or… you’re locked up in rush hour traffic, when suddenly there’s an opening to jump to the right lane and pass those slowpokes in front of you, but you’re right in the middle of the intersection … ain’t it just the way! How much do you think that improper lane change ticket costs you?

Nuthin. Nada. Ziltch!

Although it’s a risky and unsafe driving practice, it won’t get you that dreaded unsafe lane change ticket. That move though, may not be seen by other vehicles ahead, so it’s really not adviseable.

What is considered an unsafe lane change in Alberta? An unsafe lane change ticket is issued when the officer sees you change lanes, forcing the driver who’s already in that lane to brake. There doesn’t have to be an accident. That move is also referred to as an improper lane change. If you make that move and clip the fender of the guy in the new lane, well, you’re likely going to be charged for making an unsafe or improper lane change.

Improper Lane Change Accident

We’ve investigated many collisions over the years where a driver stopped in an intersection to make a left turn. They saw a car opposite them also waiting to make its own left turn. Since the oncoming curb lane was empty they started the turn only to get smashed into by an oncoming car that jumped lanes at the last second, while still in the intersection. Guess who got the ticket? Yup, the left turner, because according to Alberta law that driver didn’t do an unsafe lane change with that scary move because lane change laws only apply to traffic going in the same direction you are. While police would have to agree with that, they may consider giving the lane change driver a charge of careless driving for that sudden move in the middle of a busy intersection.

Do You Get Points for Improper Lane Change?

In Alberta, an unsafe lane change ticket is worth 2 demerits on your driving record but if you’re worried about the impact on insurance, demerits are not the problem (more about that here). You’ll want to get that violation changed so the unsafe lane change ticket doesn’t go on your record “as is”.

How Do You Beat an Improper Lane Change Ticket?

We have great success in fighting improper lane change tickets and keeping them off driving records. Contact us for a free consultation and we’ll show you how easy it is to protect your driving record and save big money on your insurance rates.

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