Illinois - Multiple Lane Changes

[pwdump]

I received a violation with the following information appearing on the citation: Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-709. Nature of Offense is "Multiple Lane Changes from Right to Left"


Basically, I was driving in the right lane (3 lanes each direction) and I was approaching a light (about 250 ft. ahead). I realized I needed to turn left at the light and changed from the right lane across the middle lane into the left so I could get in the turn lane.

Any advice?

[moburkes]

Pay the ticket?

[Zigner]

Advice:
Don't make illegal lane changes.

Sounds to me like the ticket is valid.

[pwdump]

Ok, I understand where you are coming from. I guess my question is more: How did I violate the section of code indicated? I have copied and pasted below. Note: I did not cut anybody off or even come within 100 feet of another vehicle.



625 ILCS 5/11‑709) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑709)
Sec. 11‑709. Driving on roadways laned for traffic. Whenever any roadway has been divided into 2 or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply.
(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
(b) Upon a roadway which is divided into 3 lanes and provides for two‑way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for making a left turn or where such center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the same direction that the vehicle is proceeding and such allocation is designated by official traffic control devices.
(c) Official traffic control devices may be erected directing specific traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device. On multi‑lane controlled access highways with 3 or more lanes in one direction or on any multi‑laned highway with 2 or more lanes in one direction, the Department may designate lanes of traffic to be used by different types of motor vehicles. Drivers must obey lane designation signing except when it is necessary to use a different lane to make a turning maneuver.
(d) Official traffic control devices may be installed prohibiting the changing of lanes on sections of roadway and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every such device.
(Source: P.A. 84‑1311.)

(625 ILCS 5/11‑709.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11‑709.1)
Sec. 11‑709.1. (a) Vehicles shall be driven on a roadway, and shall only be driven on the shoulder for the purpose of stopping or accelerating from a stop while merging into traffic. It shall be a violation of this Section if while merging into traffic and while on the shoulder, the vehicle passes any other vehicle on the roadway adjacent to it.
(b) This Section shall not apply to any authorized emergency vehicle, or to any service vehicle while engaged in maintenance of the highway or related work.
(Source: P.A. 86‑664.)

[Ozark_Sophist]

How were the lanes marked? Did you cross any solid white lines (as opposed to normal dash)? Lines approaching intersections are often solid as a traffic control device (4) so as to signify no lanes changes.

[pwdump]

Nope ... dashed white lines. That's my problem, I agree with what he wrote as the nature of offense "Multiple Lane Changes Right to Left" because I did change lanes from the Right, to Center, to Left. I just don't believe I did anything wrong.