Is It Legal To Change Lanes in an Intersection?

Safe driving means following designed traffic laws on the road. However, some rules can be unclear, especially those concerning lane changes in intersections. Many drivers wonder whether changing lanes in the middle of an intersection is advisable, safe, or even legal.

The truth is that the legality will depend on a combination of your state’s traffic laws, the design and signage of the intersection, and other situational conditions.

The Basics of Lane Changing

Changing lanes is a common driving maneuver, one we all do every day, usually to pass slower vehicles, prepare for a turn, or get in position for an upcoming exit. Changing lanes safely requires drivers to signal, check their blind spots, and make sure that they have enough space to complete the maneuver without disrupting traffic.

Intersections, however, add a significant level of complexity to lane changes. These are high-traffic areas where vehicles, bicycles, and often pedestrians can all be present at the same time. The University of Pittsburgh reports that 9% of all accidents in the United States are caused by unsafe lane changes, injuring up to 35,000 people per year and resulting in nearly 6,000 fatalities.

The added risks make it essential to understand whether lane changes are appropriate or legal in these settings.

What Does the Law Say?

Whether or not it’s legal to change lanes in an intersection varies by state and local traffic regulations.

Many states specifically prohibit changing lanes while in an intersection, while others don’t address the issue directly but rely on their general rules for safe driving.

States That Prohibit Lane Changes in Intersections

Some states, such as Texas and California, explicitly ban changing lanes while in an intersection.

Their reasoning is that, as intersections are already high-risk areas, allowing lane changes would only increase the potential for car accidents.

States With No Specific Law

In those states that don’t have specific rules against changing lanes in intersections, liability usually hinges on the broader traffic laws that are in place. For example, drivers are required to avoid maneuvers that are considered unsafe or that disrupt the flow of traffic. So, even if there’s no direct prohibition, an “unsafe” lane change that causes a car accident or even a near-miss could still result in a ticket for reckless driving.

It’s crucial to consult your state’s driver handbook or traffic laws for specific guidance on this issue.

The Risks of Changing Lanes in an Intersection

In those states where changing lanes in intersections isn’t outright illegal, it can still result in significant and unnecessary risks to everyone on the road.

• Reduced Reaction Time: Intersections are hotspots for sudden changes in traffic flow, with vehicles starting, stopping, and making unpredictable turns. Adding unexpected lane changes to these already uncertain variables can reduce reaction time and increase the risk of crashes.
• Blind Spots and Visibility Issues: Blind spots can make lane changes dangerous, especially in busy intersections. Turning vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists may enter your path unexpectedly, making it harder to anticipate potential hazards.
• Confusion for Other Drivers: Safe traffic relies on predictable driving patterns. Other drivers may not anticipate you changing lanes unexpectedly in an intersection. This confusion can result in accidents or cause other drivers to make sudden, dangerous driving adjustments.
• Increased Accident Risk: Intersections are already a leading site for car accidents due to the convergence of multiple vehicles and traffic patterns. Adding a lane change to this mix increases the likelihood of sideswipes, rear-end collisions, or T-bone crashes.

When Lane Changes Might Be Legal but Are Still Unsafe

Even if local laws don’t prohibit lane changing in intersections, it can still be unsafe under certain conditions. Always evaluate the situation carefully before making this type of decision.

Here are some conditions to keep under consideration:

Heavy Traffic

In busy intersections, lane changes increase the chances of an accident. If traffic is moving unpredictably or vehicles are too close together, it’s better to wait until you’re past the intersection.

Multi-Lane Intersections

Intersections with multiple lanes can make lane changes more hazardous, especially when drivers are merging from different directions. This is particularly true for larger intersections where several traffic streams converge.

Poor Weather or Roads

Rain, snow, or poorly marked roads can make it harder to judge distances and timing for a lane change. Slippery conditions or faded lane markers only add to the risks.

What Happens If You Change Lanes and Cause an Accident?

Changing lanes in an intersection and causing an accident can result in legal and financial consequences, even if the maneuver wasn’t technically illegal in your state.

• Liability Considerations: Typically, it’s the driver who changes lanes that’s found to be at fault in these accidents. Police and Insurance companies may consider the lane change to have been reckless or unsafe, making it difficult to contest liability.
• Traffic Citations: If these types of lane changes are illegal in your state, you could be issued a traffic citation as well as being held liable for the accident. Additional risks could include fines and points on your driver’s license.
• Insurance Impact: Accidents resulting from unsafe lane changes can also increase your insurance rates. If you’re found at fault for the crash, your insurer could view you as a higher-risk driver and may raise your premiums significantly.

Changing lanes in an intersection is a risky maneuver that is often prohibited by law or discouraged due to safety concerns. While the rules vary by state, the risks—such as reduced reaction time, confusion for other drivers, and increased likelihood of accidents—make it a poor choice in most situations. Instead, drivers should plan ahead, remain aware of their surroundings, and wait until they are clear of the intersection to make lane adjustments.

By following traffic laws and exercising good judgment, you can avoid the dangers associated with lane changes in intersections and contribute to safer roads for everyone.

If you’ve been involved in an accident due to an unsafe lane change, the experienced attorneys at Prince Law Firm are here to help.