Most people think it’s against the law to change lanes while passing through an intersection here in Texas.
It may not be illegal, but it is a risky move .
According to the Federal Highway Administration, “each year roughly one–quarter of traffic fatalities and about one– half of all traffic injuries in the U.S. are attributed to intersections.”
In Texas, changing lanes apply to one or more lanes going in the same direction of traffic, with a dotted white line between them. Moving safely from one lane to another is up to the driver’s discretion.
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To determine when the safest time to legally change lanes is, here is what the Texas law says.
What the Texas Penal Code says
Texas Penal Code 545.060 says, “may not move from the lane unless that movement can be made safely .”
It does not explicitly state whether or not it is unlawful to change lanes during an intersection. However, if you do so, you could be pulled over for unsafe lane changes.
Another law that most Texas drivers forget is to always indicate when you are changing lanes via turn signals. If your car lights are out, you can do this by using your arm out the window.
“An operator shall use the signal (authorized by Section 545.106 ) to indicate an intention to turn , change lanes, or start from a parked position,” according to Texas Penal Code, 545.104.
The best rule of thumb is to pay attention to the lines on the road. These are the best indicators of when it is safe to change lanes.
Types of traffic lines
In Texas, there are three types of traffic lines painted on our roads.
A broken white or yellow line is standard to separate lanes going in the same direction. The broken line indicates freedom for lane changing to both the right and left.
A solid white or yellow line discourages lane changing (although conditions may be unsafe, it is not unlawful to change lanes).
A solid double yellow or white line prohibits lane changing at all costs.
Penalty for unsafe lane changes
If you get pulled over for unsafely changing lanes, you can be subject to a ticket .
In Tarrant County, for unsafe lane changes, you can receive a ticket for up to $200.
The same goes for failure to indicate a lane change or turn. Not using your turn signal can get you pulled over with a fine of up to $200.
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