Should You Use Turn Signals When Changing Lanes?
2 Answers
When approaching a general flat intersection, drivers should activate the turn signal in the intended direction of travel at a distance of 30 to 10 meters from the intersection, depending on the road width, traffic volume, and current driving speed. Regulations clearly stipulate: "Beijing Implementation Measures of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Article 41: During nighttime when streetlights are on, motor vehicles must turn on headlights, clearance lights, and rear position lights. When turning, changing lanes, overtaking, making a U-turn, or pulling over to the roadside, motor vehicles must activate the turn signal 100 to 50 meters in advance. Lane changing is one of the most common driving behaviors. The "Road Traffic Safety Law" specifies the following legal provisions regarding lane changes: Lane changes must not affect other vehicles: On roads with two or more motor vehicle lanes in the same direction, a vehicle changing lanes must not affect the normal operation of vehicles in the related lanes. Violation of this rule may result in a warning or fine. Turn signals must be activated in advance when changing lanes: When turning left, changing lanes to the left, preparing to overtake, leaving a parking spot, or making a U-turn, the left turn signal must be activated in advance. When turning right, changing lanes to the right, returning to the original lane after overtaking, or pulling over to the roadside, the right turn signal must be activated in advance. Regulations clearly state: When turning, changing lanes, overtaking, making a U-turn, or pulling over to the roadside, motor vehicles must activate the turn signal 100 to 50 meters in advance.
I've been driving for over twenty years and witnessed numerous accidents caused by lane changes without signaling. Once on the highway, I urgently needed to change lanes without signaling, and suddenly a car emerged from the blind spot, nearly causing a rear-end collision. The scene was terrifying. Since then, I always signal in advance—it's not just a legal requirement but also for the safety of myself and others. Signaling when changing lanes alerts the vehicles behind, giving them time to slow down or yield, reducing the chance of collisions. In urban traffic jams, this habit can prevent minor scrapes. Forming this habit is simple: signal, check the mirror, confirm the blind spot, and change lanes smoothly—four steps to get it done. I've found that sticking to it for just a few days makes it second nature. Safety is no trivial matter; skipping the signal might save a second but gamble a lifetime.
