Improper lane usage in Illinois can lead to a citation being issued to a driver who cannot drive safely. An improper lane usage citation will as well be given if a driver is caught committing a traffic violation weaving.
The laws in Illinois state that a motor vehicle should be driven within a single traffic lane as nearly as practicable. The vehicle should not be moved within that lane until the driver has made sure that their movement will be made safely.
There is a broad meaning to the term driving within a single lane as nearly as practicable. For this reason, the traffic police officer will issue a ticket in many different situations.
Most of the time, when a driver steps outside of their lane, it can be due to poor or distracted driving. However, there are other more severe circumstances under which an individual can get a ticket for improper lane usage. If the driver is driving under the influence or a traffic accident occurs, a ticket will be issued. In both of these circumstances, an arrest will follow.
In most instances, when a driver gets arrested for DUI, they get a ticket for improper lane usage. The traffic police department in Illinois is trained to be on the lookout for reckless driving. Before they conduct a DUI arrest, they have to first see a driver commit a traffic offense. They can be to identify people weaving in out of lanes or those that drift outside for a moment. They as well have the ability to pick out a drunk driver.
You need to be able to prove whether you have committed improper lane usage. Proving that you haven’t committed improper lane usage after a traffic stop will be critical to your case when facing criminal charges.
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What to do After an Improper Lane Change Accident
When drivers in Illinois break the law and make an improper lane change, there is a high likelihood of causing an accident. The result of an accident is causing harm to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. If you have been involved in an accident that has been caused by a driver who has improperly changed lanes, here are a few things that you can do.
Report the Incidence to the Authorities
After the accident happens, you should immediately contact the police and tell them about the incident. Reporting the accident immediately will enable the authority to collect an accurate and timely report of the accident. The record must state that the accident happened due to an improper lane change.
Gather Your Own Information
It is essential to collect as much information as you can while on the scene of the accident. Take pictures and videos immediately after the accident. Take note of security cameras within the area and the nearby traffic—exchange contacts with the driver and any witnesses on the scene.
Get Medical Attention
It is important to seek appropriate medical attention even if you think your injuries are not severe. You may not know the impact of an injury if you are evaluating them by yourself. Also, determining how severe an injury is may not be possible immediately after an accident.
Visit a certified medical practitioner and let them evaluate your well-being. They will ensure that you are in good shape, and you can seek treatment for any injuries if injuries you have obtained. The medical visit will also help ensure that accurate medical records are explaining how you got the injuries.
Talk to an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney
An experienced Chicago traffic defense attorney can help you to determine if you have a case to pursue. Suppose you obtained a significant injury and can prove it. In that case, you can seek compensation from the driver that made the improper lane change causing the accident.
Each case is different. Depending on your case’s circumstances, you will be compensated differently when you file a claim against the other driver. You can get compensated for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Before you talk to an auto insurance company, you should first speak to a Chicago improper lane change accident attorney.
The Penalty for Improper Lane Usage in Illinois
Getting a ticket for improper lane usage is a petty offense in Illinois. It will not warrant jail time, but the person who has broken the law will be issued fines by the court and will have to pay court costs. There is as well a possibility of the driver getting a conviction on their driver’s record. Most drivers of vehicles who get a citation will pay a fine of a few hundred dollars, but the maximum penalty that one can pay is $1000.
It will be different if the ticket issued for a driving violation is linked to other criminal charges or given after a car accident occurs. In this case, there will be higher penalties.
How Long Does Ticket Stay in a Driver’s Record in Illinois?
Traffic tickets for moving violations in Illinois will stay on your driving record for 4 to 5 years from the date of conviction. This is according to eth Illinois secretary of state. Moving violations include:
- Disobeying a stop sign.
- Improper lane usage.
- Speeding.
- Disobeying traffic control lights.
Suppose that there is a basis for either revocation or suspension of your driving license by receiving the ticket. In that case, you will carry the information on your driving record for a minimum of 7 years from the date of reinstatement.
Can You Defend an Improper Lane Usage Ticket?
The law requires a driver operating a vehicle to drive as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane. For this reason, it leaves a lot of room for argument on what is practicable. There are several valid reasons why a driver would exit a lane. The attorney needs to prove if it is practicable in the case they are defending.
An experienced Chicago Traffic Lawyer will cross-examine the officer, call upon witnesses, and make the chief traffic prosecutor prove that the plaintiff used an improper traffic lane.
You have the right to defend yourself against the criminal charge you are facing and to get legal representation. When you do protect yourself, make sure that you get the best legal representation. We value the attorney-client relationship and we would like to represent you.
