Is it necessary to use turn signals when changing lanes?
2 Answers
Changing lanes requires the use of turn signals to alert other vehicles of your intention to change lanes. Here are the relevant details: 1. Regulations: Article 57 of the 'Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' stipulates that when a motor vehicle turns left, changes lanes to the left, prepares to overtake, leaves a parking spot, or makes a U-turn, the left turn signal must be activated in advance. When turning right, changing lanes to the right, returning to the original lane after overtaking, or pulling over to the roadside, the right turn signal must be activated in advance. 2. Precautions for lane changing: When entering the traffic lane from an acceleration lane, observe the conditions in the traffic lane and merge behind normally moving vehicles when traffic is sparse. If a normally moving vehicle is closely following, control your speed and enter the traffic lane only after all vehicles have passed; do not abruptly cut in. Lane changes must always be preceded by activating the turn signal.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I firmly believe that using turn signals when changing lanes is an absolute must-do. Not only is it mandated by traffic laws—failing to signal is considered illegal in most regions, punishable by fines, penalty points, or even liability in the event of an accident—but it’s also a critical safety measure. I once experienced a close call on the highway when a car suddenly changed lanes without signaling, nearly causing me to rear-end them. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to signal at least three seconds in advance, ensuring drivers behind me have ample time to react and avoiding blind-spot collisions or chain-reaction accidents. Safety is no trivial matter; negligence is unacceptable. Signaling every lane change significantly reduces risks and builds trust in my driving behavior among others.
