How Far in Advance Should Turn Signals Be Activated?
2 Answers
Under normal urban traffic conditions when making a turn, turn signals should be activated more than 10 meters in advance (generally 3-5 seconds before turning the steering wheel). On highways, signals should be activated 50-100 meters ahead. When overtaking, ensure the following vehicle has a visual distance of over 5 seconds before signaling. Activating turn signals at intersections: When approaching a standard flat intersection, drivers should activate turn signals in the intended direction of travel at a distance of 30-10 meters from the intersection, depending on road width, traffic volume, and current speed. Regulations clearly stipulate: Motor vehicles must activate turn signals 100-50 meters in advance when turning, changing lanes, overtaking, making U-turns, or pulling over to the roadside.
How far in advance should you signal when driving? I remember the traffic regulations require signaling at least 30 meters ahead, which allows other drivers to clearly see your intention and avoid rear-end collisions. On urban roads with slower speeds, such as when the speed limit is 40 km/h, signaling 30 to 50 meters in advance is safe enough, corresponding to the position of streetlight poles or stop lines before intersections. On highways, the requirement is stricter—when driving above 80 km/h, you should signal 100 meters in advance to give following vehicles enough reaction time. In real-world driving, I always signal early, not just for turns but also for lane changes, which helps reduce side-swipe accidents. In rainy or foggy conditions, the distance should be increased, and signaling early becomes instinctive—safety is no small matter. I’ve seen many accidents caused by late signaling, so forming the habit is most important.
