Should You Use Turn Signals When Turning Right?
4 Answers
You need to activate the right turn signal when making a right turn. According to Article 57 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law": 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 parking by the roadside, the right turn signal must be activated in advance. If a vehicle turns right without using the right turn signal, the driver commits a traffic violation. Failure to use lights as required may result in a fine and a deduction of 1 point from the driver's license. Proper use of vehicle lights: When driving a motor vehicle to turn left, change lanes to the left, prepare to overtake, leave a parking spot, or make a U-turn, activate the left turn signal in advance; When driving a motor vehicle to turn right, change lanes to the right, return to the original lane after overtaking, or park by the roadside, activate the right turn signal in advance; When driving a motor vehicle in low-visibility conditions such as rain, snow, dust, or hail, turn on the headlights, position lights, and rear lights, but avoid using high beams when following another vehicle closely in the same direction; When driving a motor vehicle in foggy conditions, turn on the fog lights, hazard warning lights, headlights, position lights, and rear lights, but avoid using high beams when following another vehicle closely in the same direction; When driving a motor vehicle at night on roads without streetlights or with poor lighting, turn on the high beams, position lights, and rear lights, but avoid using high beams when following another vehicle closely in the same direction; When driving a motor vehicle at night through sharp curves, slopes, arched bridges, crosswalks, or uncontrolled intersections, or when overtaking, alternate between high and low beams as a signal. Use low beams when meeting on narrow roads or bridges or encountering pedestrians or non-motorized vehicles; When driving a motor vehicle near sharp curves, the top of slopes, or other areas with limited visibility, or when overtaking or encountering emergencies, slow down and sound the horn as a warning; If a motor vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident on the road and cannot be moved, activate the hazard warning lights and place a warning sign 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle. At night, also turn on the position lights and rear lights; When entering a highway from an on-ramp, activate the left turn signal and merge into the acceleration lane without obstructing vehicles already on the highway; When exiting a highway, activate the right turn signal in advance, merge into the deceleration lane without obstructing vehicles already on the highway, reduce speed, and then enter the off-ramp.
Hey, when it comes to whether to use the turn signal for a right turn, I also hesitated when I first started learning to drive. Now it's crystal clear: absolutely yes! Back in driving school, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that you should always activate the turn signal in advance for both left and right turns, especially for right turns, which are often overlooked because they seem straightforward. But imagine this: at an intersection, if you don't signal your right turn, the car behind might assume you're going straight and hit the gas, leading to a rear-end collision. Or a pedestrian might misjudge your intention, getting startled or even causing an accident. I have a personal experience: once, I almost hit a mother pushing a stroller when I turned right without signaling in a narrow city alley. Since then, I've made it a habit to signal in advance even for slow turns near my home. This not only complies with traffic rules but also ensures everyone's safety. New drivers can consider getting a car reminder device to help build this habit—remembering to signal can save you from fines and trouble, making the roads safer for everyone.
Having driven for many years, I used to neglect using the turn signal when making a right turn when I was younger, and now I deeply regret it. I remember one time when I turned right on a main road without signaling, a motorcyclist behind me thought I was going straight and tried to overtake, resulting in a fall that almost escalated into a major dispute. Experience has taught me that using the turn signal is effortless: just press the button for a few seconds to alert vehicles behind and pedestrians, reducing blind spot risks. In cities with many pedestrians, especially at neighborhood intersections, it's even more critical. After developing this habit, driving has become easier for me, with fewer accidents and no increases in insurance premiums. I suggest seasoned drivers lead by example and emphasize to their children when teaching them to drive: using the turn signal for a right turn is a basic courtesy—it not only communicates your intention with the signal but also shows respect for others' safety.
Traffic laws strictly mandate the use of turn signals for all turns, including right turns. This is a universally fundamental rule—clearly stipulated in China's traffic regulations, for instance—aimed at enhancing predictability to prevent rear-end and intersection collisions. Non-compliance may result in penalty points, fines, or liability in accidents. My research on case studies reveals that data indicates many collisions stem from signal neglect, making strict adherence essential for every driver. Consult local manuals or learning apps, as specifics may vary by intersection, but the principle remains unchanged. Forming this habit takes just weeks of consistency, yet this small action safeguards significant safety.
