How Many Points Will I Get for an Unsafe Lane Change?

Virtually all states assess points to a driver’s license for certain traffic violations, as a method of determining whether a driver is consistently unsafe or driving in a manner that violates the law. The points system in each states assigns a given number of points upon conviction of an individual offense, and in turn, if a driver accumulates too many points, his or her license can be suspended. The point total mandating suspension, as well as the points assigned for each individual offense, will widely vary from state to state. It is also notable that certain states do not adhere to a point system, and in other cases, points are not assessed for certain offenses, most notably parking violations and other minor offenses.

Unsafe Lane Changes and Points

As a driver facing a citation for an unsafe lane change, knowing the applicable points system in an individual state, as well as the laws concerning points assessed for an unsafe lane change offense is essential. State laws widely vary concerning the number of points assessed for an unsafe lane change offense and concerning the number of points required to facilitate a mandatory points-based license suspension. Typically, an unsafe lane change is deemed a minor offense, often incurring low points assessment on a license. However, the most notable element in any points-based assessment is the number of points noted by the state driving laws as grounds for a mandatory license suspension.

Contesting Points on an Unsafe Lane Change Violation

In most cases, drivers will not be affected by the addition of points to one’s license following conviction of an unsafe lane change violation. However, if a driver has accumulated points from previous offenses, his or her license may still be in jeopardy of suspension based on points totals, even in light of the relatively low seriousness of the unsafe lane change violation. In these instances, a driver can contest the assessment of points on his or her license through disputing the citation itself, as well as negotiating some form of alternative conviction or sentence, which may allow a driver to reduce points totals by attending traffic school and other measures. Again, the ability to do so is guided by state laws, and at other levels, on the ability of a driver to use legal counsel to convey effectively his or her wish to avoid additional points on a driver’s license.

Getting Legal Help with Unsafe Lane Change Violations

In short, if the assessment of points for an unsafe lane change violation jeopardizes a driver’s license, he or she should consult with a traffic violations lawyer to learn more about contesting the citation, as well as about other methods to reduce point totals or dismiss a citation through an alternative sentence.