Key Takeaways

  • CVC 22107 requires signaling and ensuring reasonable safety before any lane change
  • Violation costs $238 base fine plus court fees and adds one point to your driving record
  • Points remain on your record for three years and increase insurance rates
  • Signal at least 100 feet before changing lanes or turning
  • Traffic school can mask the point from your insurance company

Got a ticket for an unsafe lane change in California? You’re not alone. California Vehicle Code 22107 catches thousands of drivers every year, turning what seemed like a routine lane change into a $238 lesson in traffic law. Let’s break down what this citation means and your options for handling it.

What Is California Vehicle Code 22107?

CVC 22107 governs unsafe lane changes and turns. The vehicle code requires that “No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal.”

In plain English? You can’t change lanes without signaling first and ensuring such movement can be made with reasonable safety.

When Does Changing Lanes Become Unsafe?

California law requires drivers to signal at least 100 feet before changing lanes, according to the California DMV Driver Handbook. The complete text of California Vehicle Code 22107 outlines exactly when lane changes become illegal. Common CVC 22107 violations include:

Failure to Signal: Not using your turn signal or signaling too late. The appropriate signal must be given in the manner provided by law.

Not Checking Surroundings: Failing to ensure the movement can be made with reasonable safety, including checking for other vehicles in blind spots.

Abrupt Lane Changes: Moving too quickly between lanes, even with proper signaling.

Cutting Off Other Vehicles: Changing lanes without adequate space, forcing others to brake or swerve.

The Real Cost of an Unsafe Lane Change California Ticket

If a law enforcement officer cites you for violating Vehicle Code 22107, expect:

  • Base fine: $238 plus court costs and fees
  • One point added to your DMV driving record
  • Insurance rate increases costing hundreds annually
  • Negligent operator status if you accumulate too many points

Points stay on your driving record for three years. Accumulating four points in 12 months can result in license suspension.

Your Options After Getting a CVC 22107 Citation

Pay the Fine: Simple but you keep the point and insurance increases.

Contest the Ticket: Fight it in court. Defenses include malfunctioning turn signals, emergency situations, or unclear road markings.

Attend Traffic School: Mask the point from insurance companies while still paying the fine and court fees.

How Driver’s License Points Affect You

California’s point system tracks traffic violations. One point from an unsafe lane change affects insurance rates and can lead to license suspension with multiple violations. Maintaining a clean driving record means avoiding violations that add points to your DMV record.

Avoiding Future Unsafe Lane Changes

Follow these rules of the road for safe lane changes:

  • Signal early and maintain it throughout your lane change
  • Check mirrors and blind spots before moving
  • Ensure adequate space between vehicles
  • Make gradual movements, not abrupt changes
  • Exercise extra caution around motorcycles and bicycles
  • Avoid changing lanes in intersections when possible

Remember, any movement from a direct course must be done with reasonable safety. Whether you’re on surface streets or freeways, the same vehicle code applies. Law enforcement officers watch for drivers who fail to signal or make unsafe movements that could affect other traffic.

Traffic School: Your Best Bet for Ticket Dismissal

If you’ve received an unsafe lane change ticket, California traffic school is often your smartest move. Completing an approved traffic school program keeps the point off your public driving record, protecting you from insurance increases.

Ready to get that ticket dismissed?

At MyImprov Traffic School, we make the process entertaining and painless. Our California-approved online course takes just hours to complete, costs only $24.95, and includes automatic court and DMV reporting.

Don’t let one lane change mistake affect your driving record for three years. Take control today with MyImprov’s award-winning traffic school course and turn this traffic violation into a distant memory.