Is It Illegal To Change Lanes In An Intersection In Idaho?

No. We haven’t found any laws which specifically prohibit drivers from changing lanes in an intersection in Idaho.

However, you can still get a ticket for changing lanes in an intersection in Idaho.

In the article that follows, we’ll explain.

Is It Illegal To Change Lanes In An Intersection In Idaho? (EXPLAINED)

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Where Are The Laws That I Can Look To In Order To Confirm Whether Lane Changes In An Intersection In This State Are Legal/Illegal?

While there isn’t a specific statute on point in Idaho, people still get tickets from their behavior in intersections.

The following statutes are why:

A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.
Idaho Statutes 49-637

and…

DRIVERS TO EXERCISE DUE CARE. Notwithstanding other provisions of this title or the provisions of any local ordinance, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle and shall give an audible signal when necessary.
Idaho Statutes 49-615

For left turns, you also see the text of 49-644, which requires that people making left turns make that turn from the turn lane and not from any other lane.

Generally, the reason the driver gets the ticket is not because of the lane change, but the law enforcement officer’s conclusion that the behavior wasn’t done in a safe manner.

If you want to review the Idaho vehicle code yourself, we highly recommend it and you can access it for free right here.

Why Do Some States Make Lane Changes In The Intersection Illegal?

Intersections can be really dangerous places.

There are tons of car accidents across the United States on a daily basis in intersections.

This is a vulnerable place for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

What Happens If I Make A Lane Change In The Intersection and a Crash Results?

The answer is that it depends.

In some states, the crash is prima facie evidence of a wrong-doing and you’ll get a ticket.

In any event, it really depends heavily upon how bad the crash is.

If the wreck is a fender bender and no one gets hurt, you and the other driver will probably leave the scene before law enforcement arrives and no one gets a ticket.

if the wreck is more serious, you might be looking at an ambulance and a criminal defense lawyer.

Can I Go To jail For Changing Lanes In The Intersection?

Failing to maintain your lane of travel is a common citation, and is only a civil infraction (meaning jail is not on the table).

But if the circumstances are more severe, then jail could be a possibility.

Serious reckless driving, reckless endangerment, or even assault cases can result from bad accidents in intersections.

If intoxicating substances, distractions, or street racing were involved, the implications could be quite serious.

if you think you are potentially at risk of a criminal prosecution for a can accident you were involved in, most attorneys would advise you to contact an Idaho criminal defense lawyer who also has some experience handling the civil side of personal injury motor vehicle accidents.

These lawyers have experience guiding their clients through the insurance investigation as well as the criminal investigation.

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