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Changing lanes in an intersection

NorCalAthlete

NorCalAthlete

O_o
Joined
Apr 27, 2010
Location
Peninsula
Moto(s)
.
http://g.co/maps/uf2ct

/\ Link to relevant intersection.

I have close calls almost daily at this intersection by people in the #2 lane drifting left to the #1 lane while going across the intersection. I've had to slam on my brakes / gun the engine to avoid getting run into the signpost, and 90% of the time the other people either don't notice or act like it's my fault because they seem to think the left lane is left turn only, despite the markings. I've had them honk, flip me off, yell at me out the window, etc. It doesn't help that the opposite lanes on the intersection aren't quite lined up straight, you actually have to drift RIGHT a little bit to stay in your lane. Either way, I recall that it's illegal to change lanes while in an intersection correct? So IF anyone were to hit me, it'd be 100% their fault?
 
Urban myth

Only illegal if done unsafely which is the same as anywhere on any road.
 
Actually, there are no lanes in that intersection..... I concur with Silversvs.....
 
Silversvs and Rel are correct, despite what the DMV might say.

The OP is also correct in that if someone drifted/changed lanes in the intersection and collided into you, they would be found at fault for having caused the collision, just as they would if there was no intersection.
 
Hmm. Ok thanks, guess I'll just continue to keep my eyes and ears open at that intersection.

One other thing - would the same apply to people who begin a left turn from the left lane but drift over to the right hand lane when there's 2 lanes turning left? I seem to encounter that nearly as often as what I mentioned in the first post.
 
NorCalAthlete said:
Hmm. Ok thanks, guess I'll just continue to keep my eyes and ears open at that intersection.

One other thing - would the same apply to people who begin a left turn from the left lane but drift over to the right hand lane when there's 2 lanes turning left? I seem to encounter that nearly as often as what I mentioned in the first post.
Click to expand...

Yes. I've also encountered the same from inattentive drivers. Not too surprised when I see them on a cell phone.
 
IIRC, years ago changing lanes in an intersection WAS an infraction.
 
Nope, unless you're talking more than 18 years ago.
 
silversvs said:
Nope, unless you're talking more than 18 years ago.
Click to expand...


:laughing

Yes, I was taught that you can't "change lanes" in an intersection.

Only recently did I find out that's been changed
 
Probably taught that you can't drive bare foot too.
 
"Being taught" and "whats legal" are two totally different things. As is stated, no CVC that says you cant change lanes in an intersection.

If you were to be cited for a bad lane change in an intersection, it would be "Unsafe Lane Change", same as anywhere else.


Is that intersection still poorly marked as shown in the picture? If so I would write a formal complaint to the jurisdiction in questions Traffic/Maintenance dept advising of the issue with drivers changing lanes and your fear of accident. Throw a line in about liability in the event of an accident and I bet it will be painted up real quick :D
 
..... And cops can't work traffic enforcement at night without having their parking lights on :rofl
 
well technically in your personal situation it'd be illegal because it's an unsafe lane change, since they're coming over right on top of you :nerd

but simply changing lanes in an intersection itself is not illegal.
 
I think part of the problem is that some people are imports.

Speaking for myself, I /was/ taught that it was illegal (in the midwest, where it actually was.)

I still won't do it without good cause, but find myself wishing some others had been taught such as well. (Every time I see someone very nearly hit because they pulled out and didn't expect someone who was speeding to try and pass on the right in an intersection, for instance.)
 
I went down to CHP station years ago to inquire about this and was told you have to do same procedure to change lanes in intersection as anywhere else. Look in your blind-spot, signal and make the move safely. Same as driving down any straight with two or more lanes.
 
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