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 Florida, laws governing unsafe lane changes are outlined in the Florida Statutes, specifically under section 316.085, which mandates that a vehicle must be driven within a single lane and may not be moved from that lane until the driver has determined that the lane change can be made safely. Drivers are required to signal their intent to change lanes to inform other road users of their actions. Failing to adhere to these rules can result in a traffic citation for an unsafe lane change. The penalties for such an infraction typically include a monetary fine and points added to the driver's license record, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. Enforcement of these laws is at the discretion of law enforcement officers, and the adjudication of any citations issued is subject to the judgment of a court, where the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. Whether the offense is treated as a criminal matter or a civil infraction depends on the severity of the violation and the specific circumstances of the case.