Accidents occur when motorists change lanes without making sure that it is safe to do so, or when they drive in the middle of two lanes for an extended period of time. If you are lucky enough not to get into an accident and harm yourself or someone else, you may still be issued a traffic ticket for making an unsafe lane change.
Getting a traffic ticket may not seem like a big deal, especially if it’s a rare event. Some people mistakenly believe it’s best to just pay the traffic ticket. But, here is what you might not know—your auto insurance premiums could go up substantially for the next 3 years after a traffic conviction. That means that you will end up paying a lot more for your insurance than you would have ever paid for an attorney to fight the ticket.
On the other hand, a traffic ticket attorney can help you fight the ticket or negotiate a plea to a lesser charge. This way your insurance rates will remain the same or at a minimum, and you will avoid having to pay the fines and surcharges associated with the traffic ticket. Call our law firm today for a free evaluation of your case.
Unsafe Lane Change (NJSA 39:4-88)
One of the most common traffic violations in New Jersey is an unsafe lane change or “traffic on marked lanes” . Under NJSA 39:4-88:
“… a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from that lane until the driver has ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.”
In addition, you are required to travel in the lane nearest to the right-hand edge of the roadway, unless you are overtaking another vehicle or preparing to turn left.
What Are the Consequences for an Unsafe Lane Change in New Jersey?
The criminal and financial consequences of an unsafe lane change in New Jersey are as follows:
- A fine of $50 – $200 for each offense. This fine will be doubled if the offense is committed in a construction zone, safe corridor, or 65 mph zone.
- 2 points against your driver’s license.
- Up to 15 days in jail. Although there is a presumption against incarceration in these types of cases, in extremely rare instances, you may be sentenced to incarceration.
In addition, if you accumulate 6 points or more, you will be required to pay a surcharge of $150 (and an additional $25 for each point over 6) each year, for three years.
Also, a conviction for an unsafe lane change, which is considered an unsafe behavior, may result in your insurance premiums increasing significantly.
Finally, you will need to pay a $33 court cost to contest the ticket.
Can I Lose My License for an Unsafe Lane Change in New Jersey?
Although the judge is not required to suspend your license for being found guilty of making an unsafe lane change, he or she may do so at their own discretion if the facts of the case warrant a more severe penalty i.e. you committed the offense knowingly and willfully and injured someone in the process.
Defending a Ticket for an Unsafe Lane Change in New Jersey
Whether your conduct on the road was a moving violation under NJSA 39:4-88 is often a matter of objective opinion and will often depend on the testimony of the law enforcement officer who issued you the ticket and your own testimony.
In many cases, an experienced traffic ticket attorney can negotiate an agreement with the prosecutor to reduce the violation to one that carries no points against your driving record. This will enable you to avoid accumulating any points against your license and any increase in your insurance premiums.
Why Hire Us to Defend a Ticket for an Unsafe Lane Change in New Jersey?
We represent clients who have received tickets for:
- Racing on the Highway
- Unsafe lane change
- Improper Passing
- Failure to observe a traffic signal
- Careless driving
- Tailgating
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Improper Passing of a School Bus
- Driving while suspended
- DWI/DUI
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- And more
We can help you reduce the amount of money you owe and keep the ticket off of your driving record. And in some cases, we can even attend court for you.
By keeping the ticket off your record, your auto insurance premiums should not increase and you will not have to pay more money when you renew your driver’s license.
Call us today or contact us online to arrange an appointment to speak with one of our experienced New Jersey traffic ticket lawyers.