Q&A for How to Use Your Turn Signal

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  • Question
    How can I switch the turn signal off?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Simply push the signal lever into the neutral position. The neutral position is located between the left and right turn signal positions, and is the default signal lever position on a car.
  • Question
    When turning out of a parking lot, do I have to use my turn signal?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. It is always good practice to use your blinker. It keeps you safe and it lets those around you know where you're going.
  • Question
    When passing another vehicle, do I need to use my turn signals?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you must use your turn signals when moving into and out of any lane. This is true whether passing on a highway or overtaking another car on a regular road.
  • Question
    Do I need to use a turn signal when parking my car?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's not necessarily the law, but it's good driving etiquette, so yes. If you are pulling or backing into a space, the use of your turn signal lets traffic behind you know that you are preparing to change direction.
  • Question
    If the car in front of you is turning and has to wait on oncoming traffic, but you are not turning, should you also signal so the car behind you knows you are stopping?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should brake, which will trigger your brake lights and let the car behind you know you are stopping. You do not need to signal a turn if you are not turning.
  • Question
    At what distance from a turn or merge should I activate my turn signal?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The answer depends on how you are using your turn signal. If merging into highway traffic, activate your turn signal about halfway down the on-ramp before it meets the highway. When turning on normal roads, you should try to give yourself at least 30 yards, but don't switch the turn signal on if there are other roads between your vehicle and the road you want to turn on.
  • Question
    How do I signal that I want a vehicle to overtake me (like an ambulance) from the left or right using my turn signal?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Signal to the side you are going to give them space. If you want the ambulance to overtake on your left, you should signal right, so they know where you're going.
  • Question
    What should I do if my turn signals are inoperable?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Consult your vehicle's maintenance guide for more information about troubleshooting your turn signals. Contract a trained mechanic if the problem persists.
  • Question
    Is using my turn signal the safest option when turning?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, using the turn signal when turning is far safer than the alternative of not using it.
  • Question
    If there is no traffic for a very long distance, do I need to use my turn signal to change into another lane?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You technically are required to use your signal whenever you change lanes, but if there is nobody around, there is nobody who could complain about it.
  • Question
    If I am on a one-way road, and no one is behind me, do I still have to signal to change lanes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Technically, you always have to signal when changing lanes. You are required to do that even when nobody is around, but who would complain if nobody was around?
  • Question
    How do I signal a car behind me that there is an oncoming vehicle in the lane he wants to merge?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The other driver will probably notice an oncoming vehicle but if he does not, use your horn to alert the drivers around that there is an issue with the lane the driver wants to merge into.
  • Question
    Do I need to use blinkers when driving straight?
    Wolfranger
    Wolfranger
    Community Answer
    The turn signals/blinkers are only used for lane changing and turning. The only time you’d use the signals while going straight is if approaching a turn or lane changing.
  • Question
    How soon should I turn on my turn signals?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you need to brake for turning, signall before you start braking. If you don't have to brake (for example, when changing lanes), simply check your surroundings, signal, and change the lane.
  • Question
    Should I use the clutch when turning the car right or left?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should only use the clutch if you need to change gears. You should not keep your clutch down when turning; that makes the car more difficult to control.
  • Question
    Do I need to put my turn signal on for a K turn?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you do. You are essentially merging from traffic to the parking lane.
  • Question
    What are the correct turn signals by hand?
    Wolfranger
    Wolfranger
    Community Answer
    To turn left, aim and point your arm straight out your window. If turning right, aim your arm straight up through your window pointing to the right. The only time you’d use hand signals is if your signal is not working, or you're on a motorcycle or any road vehicle with no turn signal (bicycles, etc.).
  • Question
    At what distance do I turn on my signal when approaching a stop sign?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The usual distance to activate the turn signal before approaching a stop sign is 100 ft. Even if no other cars are around, you should always use your turn signal when approaching a stop sign.
  • Question
    Do I have to signal in a specific turn lane?
    Wolfranger
    Wolfranger
    Community Answer
    No matter what, you must always use the turn signal to turn. Even if you’re in a turn lane, law requires that you use your turn signal.
  • Question
    The turn signal lever does not return to neutral position.
    Maps12345
    Maps12345
    Community Answer
    If the signal is signaling left, push the lever up. If signaling right, push the lever down to the start position.
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