If you are caught driving unsafely on a three-lane highway and receive a ticket under California Vehicle Code 21659, you may be fined and have points added to your driver’s license. Our Los Angeles DUI lawyers can assist you in contesting the traffic violation ticket and defending your rights.
In California, drivers are required to stay in the right-hand lane when driving on a three-lane highway unless there are specific circumstances that allow them to use the center or left-hand lane. With our extensive legal experience spanning over 19 years, we provide an overview of the meaning of this vehicle code, the penalties if caught, and more.
What Does CA Vehicle Code 21659 – Unsafe Driving on a 3-Lane Highway Consist of?
California Vehicle Codes are designed to promote safety. CA VC 21659 pertains to unsafe driving on a three-lane highway. This code section states that it is unlawful for a driver to operate a vehicle on a three-lane highway in a manner that is unsafe or likely to endanger others.
Specifically, the code prohibits the following actions on a three-lane highway:
- Driving at an excessive speed is unsafe for the current conditions.
- Changing lanes without signaling or without ensuring that it can be done safely.
- Passing other vehicles without sufficient clearance or in an unsafe manner.
- Driving on the shoulder of the road, except in certain circumstances such as emergencies.
- Driving in the center lane for an extended period of time without passing other vehicles.
Violating California Vehicle Code 21659 can result in fines and penalties and may also contribute to accidents and injuries on the road. Drivers should exercise caution and follow the rules of the road to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
What Are the Consequences of a VC 21659 Violation?
Violating Vehicle Code 21659, which pertains to unsafe driving on a three-lane highway, is considered an infraction in California. If you are issued a ticket for this violation, you will be subject to a fine of $238. However, the financial penalty is not the only repercussion you will face
In addition to the fine, you will also receive a point on your driving record with California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This point will be reported to your insurance company, resulting in a likely increase in your insurance premiums. Furthermore, you may no longer be eligible for any safe driver discounts offered by your insurer.
Accumulating points on your license can also lead to the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. Your license will be suspended if you accumulate:
- Four points within a 12-month period
- Six points within a 24-month period
- Eight points within a 36-month period
What to Do if Ticketed for CA Vehicle Code 21659- Unsafe Driving on a 3-Lane Highway
After receiving a ticket for unsafe driving on a 3-lane highway, attending traffic school is not mandatory, but it can help mitigate the consequences of a VC 21659 ticket. Upon successfully completing it, it can prevent a point from being added to your driving record.
Do not ignore a ticket if you are cited for unsafe driving on a three-lane highway. Ignoring the ticket will not make it disappear and can lead to more severe consequences than the penalties associated with the ticket itself.
In California, when you receive a ticket, you are obligated to sign a written promise to appear in court. Failing to fulfill this promise is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 40508, known as Failure to Appear. This offense is considered a misdemeanor and can result in:
- Jail time
- Being fined up to $1,000
- Probation
It is important to note that you can be convicted of a failure to appear offense even if you are not guilty of the original violation for which you were initially charged. However, if you choose not to contest the ticket and pay the fine before your court date, you are not required to appear in court.
Importance of Contesting CA VC 21659 Tickets
While it may be tempting to simply pay the fine and move on, contesting a VC 21659 ticket can be a worthwhile investment of time and effort. By working with a skilled traffic violations attorney, you may be able to get the charge reduced or even dismissed altogether, avoiding the long-term impacts on your driving record and insurance rates.
Our experienced lawyers can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and present a strong defense on your behalf, potentially allowing you to avoid the more severe penalties associated with a VC 21659 conviction.
Additional Penalties for Violating Vehicle Code 21659 in California
In addition to the base fine and points on your driving record, a violation of VC 21659 in California can potentially result in further penalties depending on the specifics of the offense and your driving history.
Impact on Insurance Rates
Beyond the immediate fines and potential license suspension, a VC 21659 violation can also have long-term financial consequences through increased insurance rates.
Insurance companies closely monitor driver records and tend to view drivers with recent traffic infractions as higher risk. As a result, a VC 21659 ticket may lead to a significant hike in your auto insurance premiums, potentially costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars more over the years.
Considerations for Commercial Drivers
For individuals who drive for a living, such as commercial truck or bus drivers, a VC 21659 violation can be especially problematic. Many commercial driving jobs require a clean driving record, and even a single infraction can jeopardize your employment status.
Commercial drivers may face heightened scrutiny and harsher penalties for unsafe driving on a 3-lane highway, as their driving behavior directly impacts public safety. Consulting with an experienced traffic violations lawyer is crucial for commercial drivers facing a VC 21659 citation.
Potential Defenses to Use Against a VC 21659 Violation
If you have received a ticket for unsafe driving on a three-lane highway, there are several arguments you can employ to contest the charge. The most suitable defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Some commonly utilized defenses include:
- Reacting to an Emergency: You can assert that your actions were justified if you entered the center or left lane in response to an emergency situation. Leaving the right-hand lane to avoid a collision or other road hazard can be a strong argument in your defense.
- In Center Lane Due to Exception: If you were in the center lane due to one of the exceptions mentioned earlier, such as preparing to make a left turn, you can argue against the ticket.
- Officer Error: Occasionally, law enforcement officers make mistakes. For instance, the officer who issued the ticket may have had a limited view of the incident and mistakenly pulled you over instead of another driver who actually left the right-hand lane.
Regardless of the defense you choose, it is crucial to have supporting evidence to substantiate your claim. Witnesses, photographs, or videos of the incident can significantly strengthen your case and help establish your innocence.
Essential Evidence Needed to Contest a California Vehicle Code Violation
When contesting a VC 21659 ticket, the type of documentation or evidence that would be most helpful to include typically includes:
- Witness statements: If there were any witnesses to the incident, obtaining written statements from them detailing what they observed can be very helpful.
- Photographic evidence: Taking clear photos of the location, road conditions, traffic signs/signals, or any other relevant visual evidence can support your case.
- Dashcam footage: If you have a dash cam in your vehicle, the recorded video footage could provide crucial evidence to demonstrate what actually happened.
- Vehicle maintenance records: Showing that your vehicle was in proper working order and not mechanically deficient in any way that could have contributed to the alleged violation.
- Driving record: A clean driving history and lack of prior infractions can help demonstrate that this was an isolated incident.
- Officer notes or report: Obtaining a copy of the officer’s notes or citation report to review for any discrepancies or contradictions.
- Expert testimony: Depending on the nature of the violation, you may be able to have an expert (e.g., a mechanical engineer or traffic engineer) provide analysis and testimony.
The specific evidence needed can vary, so it’s best to check with a qualified Los Angeles traffic attorney to understand the exact requirements for contesting this type of citation. Providing a comprehensive, well-documented case is key to giving yourself the best chance of getting the ticket dismissed or reduced.
Avoiding Future Violations
To prevent repeat VC 21659 violations and the associated consequences, it is important for drivers to be vigilant and adhere to safe driving practices on 3-lane highways. This includes staying in the right-hand lane unless passing, using turn signals when changing lanes, and maintaining a speed that is appropriate for the current road conditions. Familiarizing yourself with the specific requirements of VC 21659 can help you avoid inadvertent violations and the hassle of dealing with the resulting legal and financial repercussions.
Consult with a California Traffic Violations Lawyer Today
If you have received a ticket for unsafe driving on a three-lane highway under California VC 21659, our Los Angeles DUI lawyers also handle these types of cases and can assist you in fighting back.
If you want to increase your chances of having the ticket dismissed, we are here to help. Contact us via phone or fill out our online contact form to initiate the process today..
