How many meters in advance should the turn signal be activated when a motor vehicle turns or changes lanes?
3 Answers
Motor vehicles should activate the turn signal 30 meters in advance when turning or changing lanes. Below are the specific instructions for using turn signals: Left turn signal: When turning left, changing lanes to the left, preparing to overtake, leaving a parking spot, or making a U-turn, the left turn signal should be activated in advance. Right turn signal: When turning right, changing lanes to the right, returning to the original lane after overtaking, or parking by the roadside, the right turn signal should be activated in advance. Liability for accidents: If an accident occurs because the driver failed to use the turn signal, there is a high probability that the driver will bear the primary or full responsibility for the accident.
I remember when I first learned to drive, the instructor emphasized that you must turn on the turn signal in advance before making a turn or changing lanes—specifically 50 meters ahead. This rule isn’t without reason—activating the signal early gives the cars behind enough time to react, avoiding sudden lane changes that could lead to rear-end collisions. Having driven for over a decade now, I always pay attention to this distance, especially on highways where higher speeds demand even earlier signaling. In bad weather or at night, I’ll extend that distance even further. Getting fined for not signaling is the least of the worries—the real trouble comes if an accident happens. After making this a habit, the road feels safer and smoother.
Before turning or changing lanes, the turn signal should be activated 50 meters in advance, as clearly stated in driving school manuals. However, this distance may vary in actual driving conditions due to road situations. As a beginner, I was particularly cautious, always counting the distance to ensure I turned on the signal at around 50 meters. Although turning it on too early wastes electricity, it's better than being late—once I activated it too late and nearly got sideswiped by a car behind me, a lesson I still remember today. I recommend new drivers practice simulating this distance to develop a sense of 50 meters, which is very helpful for daily driving.
