Driving on I-80 near Roseville, CA, can create major headaches. Commercial drivers often do not realize the seriousness of the consequences, even if the fine seems minor.
The DOT FMCSA considers it a “serious offense,” and a second conviction within three years can lead to a minimum 60-day driver’s disqualification.
Know the Law: Unsafe Lane Changes in CMVs
California Vehicle Code (VC) Sections 22107 and 22108, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals, explain what is considered an unsafe lane change.
If you don’t signal for at least 100 feet before a move, or move without ensuring safety, you may be cited if it affects other traffic.
According to VC 22107:
“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 the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.”
And Section 22108 clarifies further:
“Any signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.”
Real Consequences Beyond the Fine
The fine might only be around $238 in Placer County, but that's not the end of it.
The DMV assesses 1.5 NOTS points to your MVR. That gets reported to your employer and the DOT FMCSA.
As stated above, the FMCSA considers a conviction for an unsafe lane change citation a serious offense. Repeat violations could result in a 60-day or more driver disqualification.
Your CSA score and PSP report will reflect that. Everything on your PSP is available for future employers, who must consider it before hiring.
“The Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP), managed by the FMCSA, provides motor carriers, industry service providers, and commercial drivers with access to a commercial driver's 5-year crash and 3-year inspection history for pre-employment screening purposes.”— The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
Location Matters: Unsafe Lane Change Tickets on I-80 in Roseville, CA
The I-80 corridor through Roseville is heavily patrolled.
Local CHP officers don’t hesitate to issue citations for improper signaling or quick lane movements in traffic.
A common query we hear from drivers is: “What happens if I get an unsafe lane change citation on I-80 in Roseville?”
The answer: It’s better to fight it with legal help than pay the fine and get assessed NOTS points.
After the DMV notifies the DOT FMCSA, they will assess CSA severity points and time-weight multiples that affect your carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS), which is typically used by insurance providers to determine fleet premiums based on risk.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Were You Cited Without Affecting Another Driver?
One argument we often explore is whether any other vehicle was affected. If not, you may have grounds for dismissal.
Remember, VC 22108 states: "Any signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet..."
But if no other driver was near you, does that violation hold? Quite likely, the judge will see that it didn’t. That’s where we come in. We raise the level of reasonable doubt so that the judge will dismiss the citation when appropriate.
The Employer Pull Notice Program & Reporting Requirements
The CA DMV’s EPN Program will notify your employer of any moving violation upon the one-year anniversary of your employer submitting your information.
However, you are legally required to report any conviction in a CMV or private vehicle to your employer within 30 days. That applies even if the incident occurred out of state.
This additional layer of reporting makes it even more crucial to handle every ticket effectively with the assistance of a CA traffic attorney.
What a Second Conviction Could Mean
If you're convicted of a second unsafe lane change in a CMV, you're facing mandatory disqualification. A 60-day ban can derail your career. That is one of the reasons hiring a local traffic attorney in Placer County matters.
Consult One of Bigger & Harman’s Commercial Traffic Attorneys About Your Placer County Ticket
At Bigger & Harman, we’ve helped many commercial drivers just like you.
We know how to navigate Placer County courts and effectively challenge traffic tickets. If you’ve been cited on I-80 near Roseville, don’t go it alone.
We communicate directly with commercial drivers via phone, email, or in person. We understand how a single conviction of an unsafe lane change citation can disrupt your career. Let us help you protect your license, your job, and your peace of mind.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Consult a Bigger & Harman Traffic Attorney About an Unsafe Lane Change Citation In Placer County
Commercial drivers with an unsafe lane change citation you need to resolve in Roseville Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 349-9755 for a free consultation.
Email us today at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What is considered an unsafe lane change in California for CMVs?
A: Any lane change that affects other drivers made without signaling for 100 feet or ensuring safety can be cited under VC 22107 and 22108.
Q: What are the penalties for an unsafe lane change citation?
A: Besides the $238 fine, the CA DMV will assess 1.5 NOTS points and notify the DOT FMCSA, who will add CSA points and the time-weight multiple. A second conviction within three years of the first leads to a 60-day disqualification. Additional convictions lengthen the driver's disqualification.
Q: Can I challenge an unsafe lane change citation in California?
A: Yes. However, it is always advisable to consult a California traffic attorney. If no other vehicle was affected or you signaled correctly, a knowledgeable attorney could get your case dismissed.
References:
CA VC Sections 22107 & 22108, Turning and Stopping and Turning Signals.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.31, Paragraph 6.2.7, Notification of Convictions for Driver Violations.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The CA DMV EPN Program.