Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
By Atlanta Traffic Ticket Lawyer Larry Kohn With Over 600 AVVO 5-Star Reviews and Almost 30 Years of Courtroom Experience
Failure to maintain lane GA means not keeping your vehicle entirely within a single lane or changing lanes without first ensuring it’s safe to do so. This traffic offense is defined under OCGA 40-6-48 .
A common reason GA police pull people over is when a driver crosses lane lines (drifting out of their lane and back). It’s often used as a reason to initiate a traffic stop and begin a possible DUI investigation. A police officer must have a legal reason beyond general suspicion for detaining you and your vehicle.
Law enforcement officers often associate this misdemeanor traffic vio;ation with DUI Per Se and DUI Less Safe, which means a lot of our clients were pulled over for improperly changing lanes, and this legal stop ultimately led to their arrest for drunk driving.
Other traffic violations that are commonly issued are speeding, improper lane change, and reckless driving. If you have one of these charges pending call our traffic ticket lawyers at (404) 567-5515. You can learn about your possible upcoming traffic court appearance during your free consultation.
Penalties for Failure to Maintain Lane FTML
The failure to maintain lane GA fine amount is up to $1,000, plus you will have to pay court costs and fees. These can vary across different courts and jurisdictions, but they generally fall within the range of $125 to $185.
How many points is a failure to maintain lane in Georgia? The answer is 3 points will be added to your driving record. Jail time up to 12 months is rare, but the facts in your case may warrant incarceration if convicted. Failure to maintain lane can impact the cost of your auto insurance for years.
The fine for a ticket for failure to maintain lane in Georgia can vary depending on where in the metro Atlanta area you were pulled over. Here are some specific examples:
- City of Snellville: The fine for failure to maintain lane is $125, or $150 if there is an accident involved.
- Athens-Clarke County: The fine for failure to maintain lane is $185.
The cost of a traffic citation for failure to maintain lane in Georgia can change every year, and a top-rated traffic attorney will be up-to-date on the correct fine amount.
Possible Defenses in 2026
Our traffic ticket lawyers will investigate if any of the below reasons for drifting out of your lane are true:
- Lack of clear lane markings (worn out stripes, temporary construction confusion)
- Emergency situations forcing you to leave your lane (you pulled over when you heard a siren)
- Challenging the officer’s observations
- Arguing the movement was safe and necessary
Try to gather any evidence that might support your case like cell phone photos, your dash camera, or witness statements). Bring these items to your free lawyer consultation, along with your traffic citations paperwork, especially if other charges are involved.
Remember, the specific circumstances of your case will determine the best course of action. If you’re concerned about potential consequences or additional charges, it’s advisable to consult with a local traffic attorney.You can contest the ticket in court. It is generally advisable to appear in court rather than just pay the fine online, as paying your ticket without a fight is considered a guilty plea. Call traffic attorney Larry Kohn at (404) 567-5515 day or night to set up a free lawyer consultation and case review at our Sandy Springs law office.
We are located at the top of the Perimeter in The Prado shopping center, which is at the intersection of Roswell Road and I-285. Even if you end up hiring another firm you will learn a lot more about the charges you face, and the possible defenses that could result in a lesser charge, or a complete dismissal.