Should the turn signal remain on when pulling over to park?
4 Answers
Turn it off promptly after parking. When making a right turn, changing to the right lane, or pulling over to park on the roadside, the right turn signal must be activated; when making a left turn, changing to the left lane, departing from a parking spot, or making a U-turn, the left turn signal must be activated. Relevant details are as follows: Turn signal: The turn signal is a crucial indicator light that activates when a vehicle is turning to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The turn signal bulb uses a xenon tube, controlled by a microcontroller circuit, with alternating left-right flashing for continuous operation. The turn signal employs a flasher unit to achieve the blinking effect. Based on their structure, automotive turn signals can be categorized into three types: resistance wire type, capacitor type, and electronic type. Proper usage: The turn signal is the primary device for conveying a vehicle's dynamic information. Installed at the front and rear of the vehicle, it activates during turns to enhance road safety. For the safety of oneself and others, please use turn signals as regulated, allowing others to anticipate the vehicle's movement and make correct judgments in advance.
Keeping the turn signal on throughout the entire process of pulling over is a fundamental rule of safe driving. Every time I pull over, I turn on the right turn signal about 200 meters in advance to clearly signal to the cars behind me that I intend to change lanes and stop. The turn signal remains on until the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the handbrake is engaged. Turning off the signal midway is particularly dangerous—for example, if you suddenly turn it off while slowing down, the driver behind might mistakenly think you’ve abandoned the intention to stop and accelerate, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. Especially in poor visibility conditions like rain or at night, the turn signal acts as your communication tool. Even on empty roads, developing this habit can prevent many accidents—after all, safety is no small matter.
The turn signal must remain on until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. With seven or eight years of driving experience, I've witnessed numerous accidents caused by turn signals being activated too late or turned off too early. Traffic regulations clearly state that pulling over is considered a lane change, requiring continuous use of the signal light. The principle is straightforward: turn signals aren't for streetlights—they communicate your driving intentions to surrounding vehicles. Turning off the signal prematurely can confuse other drivers about whether you intend to pull over or continue driving, leading to misjudgments. This is especially crucial for buses entering stops or temporary parking when dropping off children at school. The power consumption of turn signals is minimal, so there's no need to worry about battery drain.
You must keep the turn signal on throughout the entire process! When I first got my driver's license, my instructor repeatedly emphasized: turn signals should be turned on early and turned off late. After confirming it's safe, first turn on the signal, then check the rearview mirror, and slowly change lanes to pull over. During the entire process, the turn signal is like a safety rope—you can't let go of it prematurely. Once, when I was pulling over at the entrance of my neighborhood to pick up a package, I turned off the signal 2 seconds early, and an electric bicycle behind me hit me directly. Although it wasn't serious, it was a profound lesson. Now, I wait until the car has come to a complete stop and is in Park before turning off the signal. Also, remember to check if the turn signal is faulty; if the bulb is broken, replace it promptly.
