Should I Turn on the Left or Right Turn Signal When Entering the Highway?

[LilyLee]

Turn on the left turn signal when entering the highway, and the right turn signal when exiting. Below is an introduction to the speed limits for two-lane and three-lane highways: Two-lane highway: A two-lane highway means there are two lanes in the same direction. The speed range for the right lane is 60 to 100 kilometers per hour, while the left lane ranges from 100 to 120 kilometers per hour. Three-lane highway: A three-lane highway has three lanes in the same direction. The rightmost lane has a speed range of 60 to 90 kilometers per hour, the middle lane ranges from 90 to 110 kilometers per hour, and the leftmost lane ranges from 110 to 120 kilometers per hour. The left lane is the overtaking lane, hence the higher speed limit.

[StLukas]

I pay special attention to this when driving on the highway. Under normal driving conditions, I definitely don’t use the turn signals, but when I need to change lanes to overtake, I always signal left in advance, check the rearview mirror to ensure there are no cars behind me on the left, and then change lanes. After overtaking, I signal right to return to the original lane. If I’m about to exit the highway, I signal right one or two kilometers in advance and gradually move to the far-right lane, especially at night, to alert the cars behind me. Some people don’t realize this and suddenly signal at the toll booth entrance, forcing their way into another lane, which is particularly dangerous. When merging from an on-ramp onto the main highway, you should actually signal left because you’re moving from the right-side acceleration lane to merge left into the main lane. Just remember to signal in the direction you’re turning the steering wheel, and if the signal turns off after changing lanes, remember to turn it back on.

[VanAdelyn]

After driving for over a decade, I've summarized this experience: On highways, your turn signals entirely depend on which direction you're moving. When overtaking, use the left turn signal to indicate a lane change to the left, and after passing, use the right turn signal to return to the original lane. Prepare to exit the highway by signaling right well in advance to enter the deceleration lane—this action should be done at least 500 meters beforehand. If you miss an exit, never brake suddenly or reverse; instead, continue to the next exit and circle back. In rainy or foggy conditions, signal even earlier as visibility is poor and reaction times are slower for vehicles behind. Remember to make lane changes smoothly, ensuring the turn signal doesn't automatically turn off with a slight steering wheel movement—in such cases, manually reactivate the signal.

[KiraDella]

The essence of high-speed turn signals boils down to two key directions: signal left when changing lanes to the left for overtaking, and signal right when returning to the original lane; signal right when exiting the highway to enter the ramp. Special reminder: use the left turn signal when merging into the main road from the acceleration lane on the right, as you are merging left from the right. Timing of the signal is crucial—activate it at least 3 seconds in advance to give following vehicles ample reaction time. When changing lanes, be mindful of blind spots in the rearview mirror and make slight steering adjustments to prevent the turn signal from automatically resetting. Use signals earlier at night or during rainy conditions.

[SanLeo]

For beginners on the highway who often get confused about turn signals, the principle is actually quite simple: the direction of the lane change determines the direction of the signal. Signal left when overtaking on the left, and signal right when returning to the original lane; signal right when exiting the highway to change lanes to the right. Don't underestimate this action—last year, I witnessed an SUV suddenly change lanes without signaling, nearly causing a collision with a truck behind. On acceleration lanes merging into the main road, you must signal left to alert vehicles in the main lane of your intention to merge. Additionally, be aware that large trucks have significant blind spots, so signal well in advance when changing lanes near them. Start changing lanes at least 1 kilometer before exiting the highway to avoid last-minute panic signaling at the exit.

[JustinRose]

I've learned my lesson the hard way about using turn signals on highways: After checking the rearview mirror to confirm safety, use the left turn signal lever when changing lanes to the left, and the right lever when changing to the right. Always use the left signal when overtaking, and the right signal when returning to the original lane. Key reminder for highway operations—start signaling right when you see the 2km advance sign to prepare for a right lane change, and you must enter the right lane 500 meters before the fork. Many people don't know that when merging onto the main road from an interchange ramp, even though you're turning right, you should use the left turn signal because you're merging laterally into the left main traffic flow. Increase the signaling distance in rainy or foggy weather, and after completing the turn, check if the signal has turned off; if not, manually turn it off.