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 North Carolina, state law mandates that drivers must stay within a single lane on a road with marked lanes and may only change lanes when it is safe to do so. Drivers are required to signal their intention to change lanes using their vehicle's turn signals. Making an unsafe lane change, such as crossing multiple lanes at once or failing to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, can result in a traffic citation. Penalties for an unsafe lane change typically include a monetary fine and points added to the driver's license record, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. Law enforcement officers have the discretion to issue citations for traffic violations, and prosecutors decide whether to pursue charges. However, in the event of a trial, it is up to a judge or jury to determine if the prosecution has proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt for criminal offenses, or by a preponderance of the evidence for civil infractions. The specifics of the penalties and the process may vary depending on the local jurisdiction within North Carolina.