By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney | DUI & Traffic Violations – Calvert County, Maryland
Unsafe Lane Change Ticket, Sunderland, MD | Traffic Lawyer
If you’ve ever driven the Route 2 and 4 corridor through Sunderland, you know how tricky that road can be.
Traffic moves fast, merges happen quickly, and one wrong move can result in flashing lights in your rearview mirror.
Many of my clients in Sunderland get ticketed for improper passing or unsafe lane changes, but they had no intention of driving recklessly.
In most cases, they were trying to navigate the road safely like everyone else.
Let’s discuss what these citations mean, what police look for on Route 2/4, and how I help clients fight back.
Why You Got Pulled Over in Sunderland
Sunderland sits right on the busy MD Route 2/4 corridor, where northbound and southbound lanes merge and split.
It’s a prime location for traffic enforcement.
Police in this area often issue citations for:
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Passing on the shoulder or the right side
- Crossing solid lane lines
- Merging too quickly or too slowly
- Cutting off another driver (even unintentionally)
The problem is that what the officer sees as “aggressive” or “improper” may have just been a split-second judgment call in heavy traffic.
What Counts as an Unsafe Lane Change or Improper Passing?
Maryland law requires drivers to signal, stay in marked lanes, and pass only when it’s safe and legal. But it’s not always black and white.
For example:
- You might have passed someone going under the speed limit, only to find out it was a no-passing zone.
- You may have merged to avoid an obstacle or pothole.
- The road might not be marked, especially in rainy or low-visibility conditions.
I’ve seen all of these scenarios turn into tickets.
Why These Charges Matter More Than You Think
Improper passing and lane change tickets can come with:
- Up to 2 points on your license
- Fines over $100
- Higher insurance premiums
- A record that makes it harder to contest future violations
If you drive for work or have a CDL, this citation can be even more serious.
How I Defend These Citations in Calvert County Courts
The good news? These are highly defensible charges. Here’s how I usually approach them:
- Review the citation and officer’s notes for errors
- Use dashcam footage or witness statements (if available)
- Argue that the road conditions justified your action
- Show that no other driver was endangered
- Seek dismissal or reduction to a no-point offense
Many drivers plead guilty to “get it over with”—but that can be a mistake. A single ticket can snowball into bigger issues.
“The traffic flow on Route 2/4 is intense. One quick decision shouldn’t cost you your license or your insurance. I fight to make sure it doesn’t.”
— Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Ticketed in Sunderland? Let’s Talk Before You Pay
If you received a citation for unsafe lane change or improper passing on Route 2 or Route 4 in Sunderland, don’t plead guilty without a plan.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
