CVC 22107: Unsafe Lane Change Tickets + What to Do About Them

California drivers must signal their intention to turn or change lanes and perform the maneuver only when it’s safe. It’s the law. If you break it, you could end up with a $238 fine, a point on your license, and court fees to pay. 

Section 22107 CVC (California Vehicle Code) is a law meant to prevent unsafe lane changes, a leading cause of sideswipe and rear-end crashes. Here’s everything you should know about CVC 22107 and what to do if you get a ticket. 

Examples of CVC 22107 Violations

CVC 22107 states that drivers can only change lanes:

1. When it’s safe to do so
2. After signaling

It also requires them to check for oncoming traffic, road hazards, pedestrians, and cars in their blind spots before turning or merging into a different lane.  

The problem is that some drivers break the law without realizing it. 

Let’s look at some common examples of CVC 22107 violations:

• Weaving through traffic
• Cutting off other drivers 
• Turning into a driveaway, alley, or side street without checking traffic
• Merging onto a freeway without yielding
• Abruptly changing lanes without signaling 
• Unsafe merging (e.g., not checking your blind spots when moving into another lane)

You should also know that CVC 22108 states that you must give the appropriate signal at least 100 feet before turning left or right. The same applies when changing lanes. If your turn signals aren’t working, that’s no excuse – the law says you can use hand signals for driving.

Drivers must comply with CVC 22107 even when operating a vehicle in remote or low-traffic areas. For example, you’re legally required to signal and check your surroundings when turning left or right on country roads. 

Exceptions to CVC 22107 Unsafe Lane Change Laws

There are a couple of situations where Vehicle Code 22107 doesn’t apply. These include:

• When encountering an emergency vehicle: You’re legally required to let emergency vehicles pass, even if that means changing lanes quickly. (But signalling here is still required!)
• When trying to avoid a hazard: If you suddenly change lanes to avoid a crash or unexpected hazard, it may not be considered a violation (as long as the move is reasonably safe). 

When directed by law enforcement: If a police officer instructs you to change lanes or turn without signaling (e.g., at a checkpoint), you’re expected to do what they say.

What Happens When You Violate CVC 22107?

The consequences of a CVC 22107 violation in California vary based on your driving record and the circumstances of the offense. Here’s what to expect: 

• Fines: The fine for violating CVC 22107 is $238, plus court fees. 
• Points on Your Driver’s License: This moving violation can add one point to your driving record. The points accumulate over time, which may result in license suspension or revocation. 
• Higher Insurance Rates: Drivers who receive a CVC 22107 ticket may see a spike in their auto insurance rates since any moving violation can negatively impact their perceived risk level. 

There are also cases where an unsafe lane change can lead to criminal charges, particularly if the violation results in an accident or injury. Possible charges include reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter, which carry much more severe consequences than a simple traffic infraction.

What to Do If You Get a Ticket for CVC 22107

Navigating California’s highways and streets can be challenging, and it’s possible for even the most cautious driver to make a mistake. 

For example, you may forget to signal before changing lanes due to stress or fatigue. If you have bad luck and get pulled over, you can pay the fine, contest the ticket, or go to traffic school to keep points off your record. 

Let’s go over these options to help you decide on the best course of action. 

Pay the Ticket 

If you pay the ticket, you won’t get in any more trouble, but your insurance rates might go up. Plus, you’ll receive one demerit point, which can bring you closer to license suspension. 

Go to Traffic School

Drivers who attend traffic school must still pay the fine and court costs plus an administrative fee. But if you go this route, that one point associated with a CVC 22107 ticket will be masked from your record, preventing your insurance rates from increasing. This can save you hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars on your insurance premiums.

Traffic school can be completed online or in person in just a few hours. To qualify, you must meet the following traffic school eligibility requirements:

• You hold a non-commercial driver’s license.
• You haven’t taken traffic school for a moving violation within the past 18 months.
• You’re charged with a one-point moving violation (e.g., unsafe lane changes or texting and driving).
• You didn’t commit the offense under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• You agree to plead guilty and pay the fine.

If you check all the boxes, ask the judge for permission to attend traffic school. Once approved, choose a DMV-approved traffic school and complete the program before the due date set by the court (30-90 days, depending on the jurisdiction). 

For example, our online traffic safety course is accepted by all courts and has the DMV’s approval. Since we don’t use a timer, you can finish in just two or three hours. 

Fight the Ticket in Court

If you received a ticket for an unsafe lane change in California and believe you’re not guilty, you can contest the citation in court. Simply follow these steps:

1. Plead not guilty and request a trial. The back of your ticket should have specific instructions for the county where you got the ticket, but in most cases, you’ll complete the “not guilty” section and return it to the court by the deadline indicated. Alternatively, you may be able to submit your plea online or by phone, depending on the court’s policies.
2. Pay bail: In most cases, you must pay a bail amount when you plead not guilty and request a trial. Bail ensures you will appear in court, and it will be refunded if you win the case.
3. Seek legal assistance: Consider asking a traffic lawyer to look over your case and explain your legal options. They could help you build a stronger defense and find evidence showing that:
   • The lane change was safe
   • The police officer didn’t have a clear view
   • You performed the maneuver to avoid a hazard or let an emergency vehicle pass

For example, your attorney could use traffic camera footage to prove that you acted the way you did because the driver behind you was behaving aggressively. You simply wanted to avoid a rear-end collision.

The drawback is that traffic lawyers can cost a lot of money — in some cases, more costly than the ticket itself, especially for minor violations. However, this could still be an option if you’re close to having your license suspended. 

4. Gather evidence: To build your defense, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your innocence. This may include photos or videos of the road where the alleged violation occurred, witness statements, or other relevant documentation.
5. Present your case in court: At the trial, you’ll have the opportunity to present your case and argue why you are not guilty of the violation. Be prepared to provide evidence, witness testimony, and any other information that supports your version of the events. 

If the court finds you guilty, you may have the option to appeal the decision. This typically involves requesting a new trial or asking a higher court to review the verdict. If you win the case, the violation won’t appear on your record. 

Request a Trial by Written Declaration 

Rather than appearing in court to contest your ticket, you could request a trial by written declaration. This is a written statement in which you present your case to the court and ask that the ticket be dismissed.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Collect evidence. You’ll use similar evidence to what you would have presented at an in-person trial: witness statements, photos or videos of the road where the alleged violation occurred, or other documentation that shows you didn’t commit the violation.
2. Complete the trial by written declaration form: Obtain and complete the correct form from the court where your case will be heard. You will need to provide your personal information, the violation code, the details of the alleged violation, and your defense statement.
3. File the form: Submit the completed form to the court before the deadline. You must also pay the bail amount at this time, which will be refunded if you are found not guilty.
4. Wait for the court’s decision: The court will review your statement and the supporting evidence, as well as any evidence from the law enforcement officer who issued your ticket. If the court finds you not guilty, the case will be dismissed, and you will receive a refund of your bail amount.

If the judge finds you guilty, you can file an appeal. With this option, you’ll have to appear in person in court at a later date.

Why Choose Best Online Traffic School?

Founded in 2018, Best Online Traffic School offers a self-paced course you can complete in just one sitting. 

Our online traffic safety course consists of 12 modules, 12 quizzes, and a final exam – and 99.9% of all drivers who choose our school pass on the first try. 

The content is easy to follow, and we also provide free audio read-alongs for a smooth learning experience. Our students also enjoy perks like:

✅ 24/7 live chat support
✅ Learning materials in English, Chinese, and Spanish
✅ Unlimited exam attempts and course retakes
✅ Instant electronic certificate of completion
✅ Same-day certificate submission to the court and DMV
✅ A zero-risk “Don’t Pay Until You Pass” guarantee

How much does traffic school cost? We’re one of the few traffic schools in California that charge an all-inclusive flat fee. The best part? You don’t have to pay until the course is over. 

Thanks to our “Don’t Pay Until You Pass” guarantee, you can take the course for free and pay only after passing the final exam. 

Don’t let a CVC 22107 ticket affect your driving record. Start traffic school for FREE to mask one point from your license and keep your insurance rates from rising. 

Read: How Traffic School Works

FAQs About the Unsafe Lane Change Law

Is there anything else you want to know about CVC 22107? Below are some questions we frequently get asked by our students: