Criminal Offense of Improper Lane Usage

A motorist is under a duty to have all of his vehicle on the right side of the road, and while the driver of an approaching car is charged with the duty of exercising proper care to avoid a collision, he has the right to presume that the motorist of the vehicle on the wrong side of the road will move over entirely to his own side. This idea is incorporated into statutes governing improper lane usage. By its terms, if a roadway is divided into two or more marked lanes of traffic, a motorist must stay in his lane of traffic so far as possible or practical and may not move from his lane without first ascertaining that such a movement could be safely done.

Defendant's Right to Independent Chemical Test in Drunk Driving Cases

Although a few states have determined that a motorist has a constitutional right to an independent chemical test, that majority of states have provided this right by statute. The right is generally for a motorist to obtain an independent chemical test by a doctor of the motorist's choosing. The most commonly used tests by police officers are the breath tests. However, the privately administered sobriety test given most often is the blood test. Many believe that the blood test will be more favorable to a motorist that a breath test.

Ignition Interlock Devices in DUI Cases

State legislatures have addressed the public safety problem of recidivist drunk drivers by authorizing various types of law enforcement tools. One such tool is the "ignition interlock" device, which attaches to the vehicle's steering mechanism and ignition. When used by the courts or state motor vehicle departments in conjunction with a monitoring, reporting, and support program, the ignition interlock system provides drunk driving offenders (driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI)) with an alternative to full license suspension.

"Wet Reckless" Convictions in DUI/DWI Cases

In some states, motorists who have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) may be able to plea bargain the charge down to a wet reckless charge. A wet reckless charge is considered a lesser charge than a DUI or DWI. In addition, a wet reckless charge usually carries a sentence of probation rather than jail time, and the fines involved are usually lower. Although the name of the offense is "wet reckless," there is no requirement that there is any reckless driving.

Criminal Offense of Impeding the Flow of Traffic

It is not uncommon for a state motor vehicle code to incorporate an individual chapter addressing the "rules of the road." One such rule is the prohibition against impeding the flow of traffic.