Is it legal to change lanes at a Kansas intersection? See what the state law says
It’s an unspoken rule of the road to not change lanes in an intersection, but is it actually law?
While Kansas law doesn’t specifically prohibit the move, changing lanes in an intersection can be considered an unsafe lane change.
Making an unsafe lane change in Wichita could cost you $101.50, according to Wichita’s Municipal Court.
In 2022, 314 tickets were written up in Wichita for drivers making unsafe lane changes, according to the Wichita Eagle’s traffic ticket database.
So, what is and isn’t allowed when changing lanes in Kansas? How do you ensure you’re not doing it unsafely?
Here’s a quick guide to what Kansas law says.
What does Kansas law say about changing lanes?
Kansas law states that drivers must stay in one lane of the road and cannot move lanes until “such movement can be made safely.”
Kansas law also allows traffic-control devices to be installed to prohibit lane changing on any section of the road if necessary.
Pavement markings are an easy way to see if changing lanes is allowed. Solid lines indicate that drivers are not allowed to use the other lane to pass, while dashed lines signify that they can.
Here are some easy tips to make sure you are changing lanes safely, according to Direct Auto Insurance’s website:
- Keep your turn signal on through the change
- Check your mirrors
- Look over your shoulder in case of your blind spot
- Maintain one speed while changing lanes
This story was originally published October 17, 2024 at 2:43 PM with the headline "Is it legal to change lanes at a Kansas intersection? See what the state law says."
