Should the left turn signal be activated when turning left?
2 Answers
Left turns require activation of the left turn signal. Turn signals: As the name suggests, these are lights that are activated when a vehicle is turning or changing lanes to alert others. Whether turning, starting off, changing lanes, parking, overtaking, yielding, or in emergency situations—any deviation from the original lane requires the use of turn signals to alert the surrounding environment (all traffic participants). This is not only a fundamental principle of safe driving but also an essential quality for any driver. Relevant legal provisions: Failure to use turn signals as required results in a penalty of 2 demerit points. However, despite clear legal stipulations, enforcement is not always strict. Currently, over 90% of cities nationwide do not penalize drivers for failing to use turn signals.
Let me break this down into three points: First, traffic regulations explicitly require using turn signals when turning. Failing to signal for a left turn will result in immediate penalty points and fines—I once witnessed traffic police pulling over and penalizing a driver at an intersection for this. Second, signaling is even more crucial for minor turns. Some assume small intersections don't require it, only to have an electric scooter suddenly dart out and collide—my neighbor's car door got dented exactly this way. Third, skipping signals at night or in rain is especially hazardous. Rain glare and headlight dazzle make it impossible for trailing drivers to anticipate your moves without turn signal warnings. The golden rule my driving instructor hammered home: flick the signal lever half a second before you start turning the steering wheel.
