All states have laws that prohibit drivers from making unsafe lane changes. State laws generally require a driver on a road with marked lanes to operate the vehicle within a single lane and to move to another lane only at a time and in a manner that is safe.

This means a driver may not cross more than one lane of traffic at a time, must allow a safe distance between the driver’s vehicle and other vehicles, and must signal the lane change with a blinker, as required by law. The failure to do so may result in a ticket or citation for an unsafe lane change.

The penalty for making an unsafe lane change usually includes a fine and demerit points on your driver’s license or record.

As with many traffic violations, the officer issuing the citation and the prosecutor have significant discretion in determining whether there was a violation of a traffic law and whether the violation constitutes a certain offense, as defined by the state legislature in the traffic code or in a municipal ordinance.

This discretion to issue a ticket or citation and prosecute the charge against the driver is balanced by the discretion of the jury or judge in determining whether the prosecution met its burden of proof sufficient to convict the driver (for a criminal offense) or find the driver responsible (for a civil infraction, violation, or offense).

In Alaska, as in all states, laws are in place to ensure that drivers make lane changes safely. Alaska Statute 28.35.140 requires drivers to use a turn signal at least 100 feet before changing lanes or turning, and drivers must stay within a single lane until it is safe to move to another lane. Unsafe lane changes can lead to traffic citations, which may include fines and points against the driver's license. The exact penalty can vary depending on the circumstances and the discretion of the law enforcement officer and the court. If a driver is cited for an unsafe lane change, they may be subject to the legal process where the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The judge or jury will determine the outcome based on whether the prosecution can prove the violation to the required legal standard.