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Driving guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How to Change Lanes Safely
Mirrors, a head check, a signal and a smooth move: here is how the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) teaches lane changes, which lines you may cross, how to pass, and how to stay out of the blind spots of trucks and motorcycles.
1 laneat a time
5 stepsclear, mirrors, head check, signal, move
100 ftclear of oncoming traffic when passing
200 fttruck rear blind spot
The short answer
Make sure the lane ahead is clear, check your mirrors, briefly turn your head to check your blind spot, signal, then move smoothly into the new lane. Change one lane at a time, do not cross solid white lines, and never weave. When passing, return to your lane at least 100 feet before any oncoming vehicle.
How to change lanes, step by step
The Indiana Driver's Manual lists these rules for changing lanes:
- Make sure there is no traffic ahead of you in the lane you would like to enter.
- Check your mirrors for any vehicles that are preparing to pass you.
- Briefly turn your head toward the lane you are entering to make sure no vehicle is in your blind spot and there is enough room to move into the adjacent lane.
- Use your turn signal to alert other drivers that you intend to change lanes.
- Smoothly move into the new lane.
Change only one lane at a time, and do not weave in and out of lanes, which the manual says greatly increases your risk of an accident. When changing lanes to prepare for a turn, give a proper signal first.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 7, read November 10, 2026.
Which lines you can cross
| Marking | What it means for changing lanes |
|---|---|
| Broken white line | Separates lanes going the same direction. You may cross it when it is safe to change lanes. |
| Solid white line | You should not cross it. |
| Broken yellow line | Separates traffic going in opposite directions. You may cross it to pass when it is safe. |
| Solid yellow line | You should not cross it except to turn. |
More on markings in our guide to yellow and white lane markings.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapters 6 and 7, read November 10, 2026.
Passing another vehicle
On the highway, slower vehicles should use the right lane, leaving the left lane for faster-moving or passing vehicles. When you pass, the manual says to:
- Make sure the passing lane is clear; you must return to the right side of the road no less than 100 feet before any oncoming vehicle
- Check behind and to the left to make sure another vehicle is not trying to pass you
- Signal, move into the passing lane, accelerate, and keep going until you can see the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror
- Signal again before returning to your original lane
Passing is illegal where a solid yellow line is on your side of the center line, where a No Passing Zone or Do Not Pass sign is posted, on or approaching a curve, approaching the crest of a hill, and within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct or tunnel. If another vehicle is passing you, let it pass safely and do not speed up. See no passing zone signs.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 7, read November 10, 2026.
Blind spots: trucks and motorcycles
Tractor-trailers
A truck driver's blind spots reach up to 20 feet in front of the cab, along either side of the trailer, alongside the cab, and up to 200 feet behind. Do not linger beside a truck; pass completely and on the left.
Cutting in
Do not cut into the open space in front of a tractor-trailer to reach an exit or turn, and do not make a sudden lane change or stop in front of one. It takes longer to stop than a car.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles can hide in a blind spot or be missed in a quick shoulder check. Check mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane, and signal before changing lanes or merging.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 7, read November 10, 2026.
Lane changes on the Indiana driving test
The manual lists actions that could affect your score or cause you to fail the driving skills exam, including failing to signal, failing to check your blind spot, slowing your speed when changing lanes, and leaving your turn signal on after a completed lane change. Turning into or using the wrong lane is listed as an automatic failure.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 1, read November 10, 2026.
Keep your Ford ready at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Working turn signals, clean mirrors and good tires make every lane change safer.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Changing lanes: FAQ
What are the steps to change lanes safely?
Check that the lane ahead is clear, check your mirrors, briefly turn your head to check your blind spot, signal, then move smoothly into the new lane, per the Indiana Driver's Manual.
Can I change lanes over a solid white line?
The Indiana Driver's Manual says you may cross a broken white line when it is safe to change lanes, but you should not cross a solid white line.
Can I change more than one lane at a time?
No. The manual says to change only one lane at a time and not to weave in and out of lanes.
Do I have to signal to change lanes in Indiana?
Yes. The manual says you must give a proper turn signal before turning or changing lanes.
How far ahead of oncoming traffic must I finish passing?
You must return to the right side of the road no less than 100 feet before any oncoming vehicle.
Can a lane change make me fail the Indiana driving test?
Failing to signal, failing to check your blind spot, slowing when changing lanes and leaving the signal on can affect your score or cause you to fail. Turning into or using the wrong lane is an automatic failure.
More driving guides
See our guides to merging onto a highway, sharing the road with trucks and safe following distance, or schedule service at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Lane change, lane marking, passing and blind-spot guidance and the driving test list are from Chapters 1, 6 and 7 of the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), read November 10, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual (PDF), Chapters 1, 6 and 7, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026