Which Signal Light to Use When Changing Lanes?
4 Answers
According to Article 47 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China: When changing lanes, motor vehicles should turn on the left turn signal in advance, switch between high and low beams, or honk the horn. After changing lanes, when returning to the original lane, the right turn signal should be used. Before preparing to change lanes, it is essential to turn on the turn signal first to alert the vehicles behind that you are about to enter their lane, giving the drivers behind time to prepare and yield. Activating the turn signal for lane changing means flicking the turn signal switch, which will automatically flash three or five times. Motor vehicles should use turn signals as follows: When turning left, changing lanes to the left, preparing to overtake, leaving a parking spot, or making a U-turn, the left turn signal should be turned on 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 should be turned on in advance. Lane-changing procedure: Before changing lanes, observe and assess the traffic conditions behind, beside, and in the lane you intend to enter using the interior and exterior rearview mirrors. After confirming it is safe, activate the turn signal to indicate your intention. Gradually move into the desired lane without obstructing the normal flow of traffic in that lane, then turn off the turn signal. When changing lanes, accurately judge the safe distance between vehicles, control your speed, and avoid hindering other vehicles' normal movement. Here are the precautions for changing lanes: Lane changes must not affect other vehicles. On roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, the vehicle changing lanes must not disrupt the normal flow of traffic in the related lanes; Turn signals must be activated in advance. When turning left, changing lanes to the left, preparing to overtake, leaving a parking spot, or making a U-turn, the left turn signal should be turned on 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 should be turned on in advance; Avoid frequent lane changes. Motor vehicles may borrow or change lanes without affecting other vehicles' normal movement; yield to vehicles in the lane being entered; proceed in order without frequent lane changes; vehicles that should be in the slow lane may borrow the fast lane to overtake if they do not obstruct the fast lane's normal traffic flow but must return to the original lane immediately after overtaking; when vehicles from both the left and right lanes change into the same lane, vehicles from the left lane must yield to those from the right lane.
I remember when I first started driving, I was always asked which light to use when changing lanes. Actually, it's the turn signal. When changing lanes to the left, you push the control lever on the steering wheel to the left, and the light turns on; to the right, you push it to the right. This is very important because when traffic is heavy, if you don't signal in advance, the car behind you won't know what you're planning to do, which can easily lead to a rear-end collision or a sideswipe. The first time I changed lanes without signaling, my coach immediately scolded me for poor safety awareness. Later, I developed the habit: first check the rearview mirror, then signal for a few seconds, and only move the steering wheel after confirming no one is there. Actually, this is not just common sense but also required by traffic laws—failing to signal can result in a fine of several hundred yuan if caught. I even installed a dash cam specifically to monitor my light usage, ensuring every lane change is done properly to protect both myself and others.
After driving for over a decade, what annoys me most are those who change lanes without signaling. Lane-changing signals are essentially turn signals, determined by the direction you're turning—left or right. Before changing lanes on the road, your actions should be clear: signal a few seconds in advance to let others understand your intention, then smoothly move your vehicle. This is especially important on city roads, where extra caution is needed at higher speeds. I once nearly caused an accident because my signal light was broken and I didn't fix it in time—fortunately, no one was hurt. Let me remind everyone not to underestimate this small action—it can prevent 80% of potential accidents. During regular car maintenance, take a moment to check if your signal lights are functioning properly. Safe driving starts with attention to detail.
During driving school, the instructor taught that you must use the turn signal when changing lanes. Press the left turn control for a left lane change and the right turn control for a right lane change. It's like saying hello to the car behind you; a simple light signal can prevent sudden risks. My friend once changed lanes without signaling and got honked at aggressively by the car behind, which was quite embarrassing. Develop the habit: signal before changing lanes, wait a few seconds before turning the wheel, and don't forget to glance at the blind spot. Keeping your lights in good repair avoids trouble, and safe driving is built on these small practices.
