Is it necessary to use turn signals when overtaking without changing lanes?

[BriannaAnn]

Overtaking without changing lanes does not require the use of turn signals. Turn signals are important indicator lights that are activated when a motor vehicle changes direction to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The turn signal bulbs use xenon tubes, controlled by a microcontroller circuit, and operate with alternating left-right flashing without interruption. Below are common traffic violations: 1. Running a red light: This is the most common traffic violation. Since the introduction of the new traffic regulations, running a red light results in a one-time deduction of 6 points. 2. Driving without a license: If a driver continues to drive while their license is suspended, they will be fined and detained for 15 days. Driving without a valid driver's license or driving with a revoked license will result in 15 days of detention and a fine. 3. Overloading or exceeding passenger limits: For passenger vehicles exceeding the rated capacity by less than 20% or freight vehicles exceeding the rated load by less than 30%, a fine will be imposed. Exceeding the rated capacity by 20% or more for passenger vehicles or exceeding the rated load by 30% or more for freight vehicles will also result in a fine. 4. Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol will result in a 3-month suspension of the driver's license and a fine. Driving a commercial vehicle under the influence will also result in a 3-month suspension and a fine. 5. Speeding: Driving at speeds exceeding the maximum limit by 50% will result in a fine and revocation of the driver's license.

[LaMax]

Once on the highway, I witnessed such an accident firsthand, so I particularly want to emphasize: whenever a vehicle moves laterally, the turn signal must be used! Whether changing lanes or not, as soon as the wheels start leaning to the left, it counts as an overtaking maneuver. Regulations require signaling at least 3 seconds before overtaking. Even if you don’t cross the line, you need to let the following driver know your intention. Last week, in a case released by traffic police, a sedan didn’t signal while leaning left to overtake, causing the following driver to misjudge the distance and rear-end it—the front of the car was completely smashed. The primary function of turn signals is to establish communication and mutual understanding between vehicles. In my twenty years of driving, whenever I encounter such slight-angle overtaking, I always flash my signal twice before moving, and only proceed when I see the following car slow down in the rearview mirror. When it comes to safety, there’s no room for taking chances.

[VanTaylor]

I've studied hundreds of accident videos and found many drivers misunderstand overtaking rules. Legally, overtaking includes both borrowing the opposite lane and passing within the same lane - crossing lines isn't the determining factor. Any lateral movement, like drifting left toward the divider to pass, can cause trailing drivers to misjudge speeds. Test data shows drivers react 0.5 seconds slower on average to un-signaled passes. It was especially obvious when I drove my friend's car with blind spot monitoring - the system flashed warnings wildly during un-signaled passes. Now it's muscle memory: the turn signal activates automatically whenever I steer left.

[VanBennett]

When I first got my driver's license, my instructor repeatedly emphasized: 'Wheels move, lights flash.' Overtaking is essentially changing relative positions—even if your wheels don't cross the line, it still counts as a lane change. Once on a rainy day, I forgot to signal while moving left to pass a truck. Suddenly, the rearview mirror showed no car behind me, so I panicked and swerved back into my lane—only to find the other vehicle lurking in the left blind spot. Since then, I signal for even the slightest lane adjustment. A tip for new drivers: stick a reminder note on your dashboard. When overtaking, remember three steps: check mirrors, signal, and observe. Keeping a safe distance is ten times more important than saving a few seconds.