How to Use Turn Signals When Overtaking on the Highway?
4 Answers
When overtaking on the highway, turn on the left turn signal. Overtaking should be done from the left side of the vehicle in front. After overtaking and maintaining a necessary safe distance from the overtaken vehicle, turn on the right turn signal and return to the original lane. According to Article 47 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, when overtaking, the driver should turn on the left turn signal in advance, switch between high and low beams, or sound the horn. Here is the relevant information about overtaking: Front vehicle: On roads without a center line or with only one motor vehicle lane in the same direction, when the front vehicle receives an overtaking signal from the rear vehicle, it should reduce speed and give way to the right if conditions permit. Rear vehicle: After confirming there is sufficient safe distance, the rear vehicle should overtake from the left side of the front vehicle. After maintaining a necessary safe distance from the overtaken vehicle, turn on the right turn signal and return to the original lane.
Overtaking on the highway is a life-saving move when done with turn signals. First, glance at the rearview mirror to confirm the following car is far enough behind you, then check the blind spot. Turn on the left turn signal for at least three flashes—don’t rush to change lanes. Wait for the following car to react before smoothly steering into the overtaking lane. During the overtaking process, press the accelerator decisively. Only when you can see the entire front of the car you’re passing in its rearview mirror is the safe distance sufficient. At this point, don’t hesitate—quickly turn on the right turn signal for three flashes, check the right rearview mirror for any cars, and then merge back. Lane changes on the highway are different from city driving; using turn signals gives both you and the following car time to react. The worst thing is to start merging halfway through signaling, which can scare the following driver into a cold sweat. After overtaking, don’t linger in the overtaking lane—large trucks have terrifyingly large blind spots.
On highways, you often encounter slow-moving vehicles blocking the way. Before overtaking, thoroughly assess the situation behind you. Don't just check the left rearview mirror; lean slightly forward to scan the left blind spot. Timing is crucial when activating the left turn signal—too early may mislead following vehicles into thinking you're exiting, while too late won't give sufficient warning. After signaling, allow at least three flashes to give trailing drivers ample interpretation time. Avoid sharp steering during lane changes; completing the maneuver within half a second is safest. After passing, don't rush back—especially when overtaking large trucks—wait until you see the entire front of the vehicle in your rearview mirror. Confirm it's safe, then signal right, count two beats before smoothly re-entering the original lane. In rainy conditions, signal earlier as precipitation reduces following drivers' visibility. Maintain a three-second following distance throughout for adequate braking margin.
New drivers on the highway often get flustered by overtaking. First, assess the necessity—only proceed if there’s a 20+ km/h speed gap with the car ahead. Before changing lanes, check mirrors and glance at the left rear blind spot. Signal left 5 seconds early, and wait until the trailing car slows to confirm acknowledgment. Steer gently (max 15-degree turn) while overtaking, focusing on the target car’s front wheels to anticipate sudden lane changes. After fully passing, count 3 seconds before returning to your lane—verify no approaching cars in the right mirror before signaling right. Keep your left hand steady on the wheel to avoid overcorrecting. At night, briefly flash high beams to alert the car ahead, but never use hazard lights instead of turn signals in fog. When passing trucks, prioritize left-side overtaking for efficiency.
