Unsafe Lane Change and a jerk of a cop?

[Ken Minneman]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Washington

I was coming out of a parking lot about 150 feet from an intersection (onto 85th westbound in north Seattle). I wanted to move across 3 lanes of traffic to get into the left hand turn lane, there was a taxi in front of me that wanted to do the same thing (to turn south on 99). After waiting three light cycles the taxi was able to get into the closest lane and i pulled in directly behind him. The taxi "pushed" his way in to the next lane over and I ended up beside him. He once again "pushed" his way into the turn lane, I moved over and took the space he left empty and ended up slightly ahead of him. When the light turned green he waved me over into the turn lane (I had my blinker on). After changing into the turn lane (about 20 feet from the light) I was so astounded by his courtesy I waved my appreciation. About ten blocks later on southbound 99 I got pulled over by a Seattle cop. He was started the conversation SERIOUSLY pissed off, he said I was "rude" and asked if I "even cared that the people behind me had been waiting. When I asked him what I did wrong he said "don't be a jerk, just give me your license and registration". While getting my registration I asked him again what I did wrong (I really didn't know), He said "I have it all on video, and your being recorded now (while tapping his breast pocket)" and walked back to his car.

When he came back he said "your being cited for unsafe lane change, it's illegal to cross a solid white line" I asked him where he said "back on 85th, but I don't care whether you sign the ticket or not" and threw the ticket, my license, and registration on my lap and walked off.

I really have no idea what I did to piss this cop off, I had my 80+ year old parents in the car and I didn't do anything to purposely antagonize him!

The bottom line, is it illegal to change lanes across a solid white line?

I asked for a court date they offered me three options, 1- written statement (binding decision) 2- arbitration hearing with no witnesses though I can bring witness statements (non-binding decision, followed by a court date if I choose to pursue it further) 3- court hearing

What is your recommendation?

[You Are Guilty]

Since you didn't deem it important enough to post what section of the vehicle code you were actually ticketed for, it's impossible to answer accurately.

Since I'm somewhat psychic, my guess goes to:

Originally Posted by RCW 46.61.140

Driving on roadways laned for traffic.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply:

(1) 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.

(2) Upon a roadway which is divided into three 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.

(3) Official traffic-control devices may be erected directing slow moving or other specified 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.

(4) 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.

Am I close?

[Nickskter]

Note (for all the nitpickers): These are not Washington specific regulations. They are not regulations period. These are my interpretations of general highway regulations. There are multiple regulations on changing lanes. Every state can and probably does add to, modify and/or completely rewrite each one of them.

Some general iformation on lane changes:

Although crossing a single solid white line separating two lanes of travel in the same direction is not (in most cases) illegal, it is discouraged. (Applies only to changing lanes)

There are regulations that deal with your distance from an intersection as well as traffic control devices.

Your (the driver's) determination of it being safe to do so (change lanes), which may not ever agree with an officer's interpretation of you having made the decission.



Of course, from your post, it is impossible to tell what offense you were charged with.
Crossing a solid white line (not likely). Usafe lane change (probably).

No advice, just information, speak with a Lawyer for advice.

[Hey There]

Ken Minneman This one? RCW 46.61.305
When signals required — Improper use prohibited.

(1) No person shall turn a vehicle or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety nor without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.

(2) A signal of intention to turn or move right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.

Checking your ticket should give the citation number and short description of it.
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a lane line is a SOLID WHITE line in portions of a road where lane changing across the line is discouraged. [MUTCD Section 3B.04]

A DOUBLE SOLID WHITE line indicates that lane changing (among lanes going in the same direction) is prohibited. [MUTCD Section 3B.04]

A BROKEN (dashed) WHITE line indicates that it is permissible to cross the line to change lanes to move into an adjacent lane moving in the same direction. [MUTCD Section 3B.04]
Source:MUTCD Pavement markings FAQ (Google Search)

Some lawyers will give a one time consulation for no fee or a modest fee ($50.00) to advise a client on options. A local lawyer or two should be able to tell you from his experience what works best .

A Google Search Affidavit for traffic tickets in Washington
brings up a page of websites with info on traffic tickets in Wa.
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Quoting IRLJ 3.3 (c)
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The court may consider the notice of infraction and any other written report made under oath submitted by the officer who issued the notice or whose written statement was the basis for the issuance of the notice in lieu of the officer's personal appearance at the hearing, unless the defendant has caused the officer to be served with a subpoena to appear in accordance with instructions from the court issued pursuant to rule 2.6(a)(2).
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Google: IRLJ for WA.for court rules.
A book published by NOLO which deals with contesting traffic tickets and is likely available through a library.

Let us know what you decide.
Best Regards,
Hey There