Is not using turn signals illegal?

[OEli]

Failing to use the turn signal when making a right turn at a red light is a violation of the law and will result in penalties. Article 57 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates that motor vehicles shall use turn signals in accordance with the following provisions: When turning left, changing lanes to the left, preparing to overtake, leaving a parking spot, or making a U-turn, the left turn signal shall be activated in advance; when turning right, changing lanes to the right, returning to the original lane after overtaking, or parking by the roadside, the right turn signal shall be activated in advance. Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China: If a motor vehicle driver violates the road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road traffic rules, they shall be given a warning or fined not less than 20 yuan but not more than 200 yuan. If this Law provides otherwise, the punishment shall be imposed in accordance with the relevant provisions.

[DiGriffin]

I remember once turning into a side road without signaling and getting pulled over and fined by the police – that was a real wake-up call. Since then, I've made it a habit to turn on my indicators a few seconds early for every turn. Not only is this legally required, but it also significantly reduces accident risks. Failing to use turn signals is indeed illegal, especially when turning or changing lanes on urban roads. Traffic laws mandate their advance use to warn following vehicles, otherwise rear-end collisions or side impacts become more likely. In places like the US and Europe, first-time offenders may face fines of $50 to $200, with repeat violations potentially resulting in demerit points or even license suspension. Driving isn't child's play – safety comes first. Nowadays, I regularly check my vehicle's indicator bulbs to ensure they're functioning properly, because prevention is always better than penalties.

[MarianaMarie]

When I was learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized that not using turn signals is absolutely illegal. The habit of lightly tapping the switch before every lane change has saved me multiple times. Legally, failing to signal during lane changes or turns is equivalent to dangerous driving, as it deprives other drivers of warning time and can lead to chain-reaction collisions. Studies show this negligence accounts for a significant proportion of highway accidents, especially at night or in rainy conditions. Penalty-wise, first-time offenders face fines ranging from 100 to 500 yuan in most regions, with repeat offenders possibly receiving demerit points. When driving, I always remind myself: activating signals early isn't a hassle—it's a responsibility. Developing good habits protects both yourself and others.

[DelLouis]

As someone who frequently inspects vehicles, I've seen too many accidents caused by turn signal failures that make drivers hesitant to use them. However, the key point is that not using turn signals itself is a violation. The law clearly requires signaling before turning or changing lanes to allow surrounding vehicles to anticipate your actions and avoid blind spot collisions. If you drive with a burnt-out bulb without timely repair, it will be considered illegal. Penalties typically involve fixed fines or warnings, and in severe cases, may affect insurance claims. The rule is actually simple: glance at your indicators before driving, and if they're faulty, go to a repair shop immediately for replacement to maintain safe driving.

[DanielaRose]

When I drive my kids to school, I always tell them to use turn signals while driving—it's not just necessary but also safe. Failing to do so is definitely illegal. According to regulations, not using turn signals when turning or merging lanes is equivalent to disregarding others' safety and can result in fines of over 200 yuan, or even have it recorded and affect future driving privileges. Common reasons include forgetting or being lazy, but think about the consequences: a small mistake can lead to a major accident. I advise new drivers to remind themselves more often during practice to build muscle memory. Every detail of safe driving matters—don’t let a moment of carelessness ruin everything.