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

The State of Maine does not have any laws that prohibit lane switching at intersections.

Therefore, you may find your family and friends quickly changing lanes in an intersection and believe it’s okay to do, although you still might be risking a ticket if you do so.

Even if there’s no specific law in Maine that prohibits you from changing lanes in an intersection doesn’t mean a police officer will not pull you over for it.

We’ll explain why in the following article.

Is It Illegal To Change Lanes In An Intersection In Maine? (Explained)

Maine’s Motor Laws

If you are wondering if it is okay to change lanes in an intersection in Maine, the first thing you will do is find your old DMV book and read what it has to say about it.

But you might not find the answer there at all.

Ideally, it would help to refer to Maine’s specific statutes that govern drivers.

While there seems to be no specific law on the subject, people do get tickets in Maine for specific actions near intersections.

It is often seen as unsafe since intersections are busy and quick changes can lead to accidents.

For example:

In Chapter 19 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic, regulations are the rules of the road for turning at an intersection.

For example, for right turns, the driver must make the turn as close to the right-hand curb as possible.

Also, left turns on 2-way roads, a driver must make their turn in a certain area of the intersection.

If you start to conduct your turn during an intersection but quickly decide not to and switch to another lane, a police officer may see it as an illegal driving action and decide to give you a ticket.

Why Would Some States Make Lane Changes In An Intersection Illegal?

Honestly, it makes sense for states to make lane changes in an intersection illegal.

Intersections are bustling, and everyone is usually rushing to get to where they need to be.

Drivers, bikers, and walkers are all using the intersection at the same time that you are using it, and they are not reading your mind.

One quick change to the next lane can cause a horrible crash. So, to avoid situations like this happening, states choose to keep lane changes in an intersection illegal.

What If I Changed Lanes In An Intersection and A Crash Occurred?

A collision in an intersection can have different outcomes depending on your specific circumstances.

Depending on the severity of the wreck, and the damages to persons and property, you may even receive only a ticket.

Although, if your change of lanes in an intersection caused a crash and severe damage, the outcome would not be pretty.

It’s possible you will be charged with a serious crime that can affect your life in numerous ways.

You may also have to cover the other people’s damages to their cars or personal injuries.

It is imperative that you find a lawyer who has experience with both criminal defense and motor vehicle personal injury cases if you find yourself in this situation.

In the chaos and confusion that often surrounds insurance claims and injury settlements following a car accident, the assistance of an experienced injury attorney can be of great help.

Can You Go To Jail In Maine For Changing Lanes In An Intersection?

If you did not cause a significant property damage or serious physical injury, then it is unlikely that you would receive criminal charges for changing lanes in an intersection.

However, you could still receive a fine if you drive in an unsafe manner around the intersection and are caught doing so.

For the state of Maine, there’s a chance of you being fine between $25-$500 for driving related infractions associated with the intersection (usually failing to maintain your life or failing to drive in a reasonable manner).

There’s also a possibility that you’ll receive points on your driving record and have your insurance rates go up a bit.

The state may mandate that you attend traffic school, which can be used to dismiss three demerit points each year if you continue to make driving violations.

Also, you risk having the violation remain on your driving record between three to ten years.

Wrap Up

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