Folks recently gathered around the campfire to console Mark. Unfortunately, he was ticketed for not using his turn signal.
Mark felt unfairly targeted. Read on to learn why.
Turn-only lane
“There I was,” Mark explained, “in the right-turn-only lane. What did the officer think I planned to do? My big rig should have been a great, big, obvious clue since it was fully inside the turning lane. But I got a ticket! I think some officers enjoy ticketing out-of-towners. It’s so aggravating.”
Marty wanted to know, “So, why were you ticketed?”
“I didn’t use my turn signal. That’s why.” Mark explained. “Even though I was clearly in the turn-only lane. The law says to use turn signals when required. Doesn’t being in the turn-only lane negate the need to signal?”
Safe and legal
Even when a lane is clearly marked as turn-only, signaling is still the safest habit and, in most places, the legal expectation.
For example, California’s driver handbook says to always signal when you turn, even when no other vehicles are around. They also advise signaling 100 feet before the turn.
Washington state’s Supreme Court has ruled that a signal is required even when a driver is already in a dedicated turn lane. In the summary of their decision, the judges said:
We are asked to decide whether the phrase “when required” compels drivers to use their signal every time they turn or change lanes on a roadway. We hold that it does. The plain language (ROW 46.61.305) requires drivers to ensure turns and lane changes are done safely and with an appropriate turn signal. The phrase “when required” relates to the manner in which the required signal is made—continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled.
Why it matters
Turn signals matter, even in turn-only lanes. A turn-only lane shows where you are headed, but it does not always show exactly when you are about to move, slow, stop, or commit to the turn. The California DMV says turn signals are one of the main ways drivers communicate intent, and it also reminds drivers to check blind spots before turning.
Legalese
The legal gray area concerning signal lights usually comes from wording differences between states. Some laws focus on signaling before a turn or lane change, while others add timing language, such as signaling continuously for the last 100 feet before the turn.
Washington state’s high court read its statute as requiring the signal on roadways even when the vehicle is already in a dedicated turn lane. They concurred that signaling helps alert drivers and pedestrians who may not realize what the vehicle will do next.
Cheap insurance
From a safety standpoint, the turn signal is cheap insurance. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) says dedicated left- and right-turn lanes improve safety because they let turning vehicles slow down and get out of the through traffic stream before making the turn.
FHWA also reports crash reductions for these lanes, including 28–48% fewer left-turn crashes and 14–26% fewer right-turn crashes. Adding a turn signal gives that already safer setup one more layer of warning.
Lesson learned
For RVers, the practical rule is simple: Signal early, hold your lane, and make your move obvious. That gives cars behind you time to react, especially in busy city traffic where a driver may not immediately notice that your lane is turn-only. It also helps when you are driving a longer rig, because the people around you need more time to understand your path and adjust their spacing.
A good campground-to-highway habit is to treat every turn the same way: Signal first, then brake, then turn. If your RV or tow vehicle is in a lane marked left-turn-only or right-turn-only, the signal is still the smarter move even if the lane markings already hint at your destination. Signaling reduces confusion, keeps traffic flowing, and makes your intentions clear to anyone who did not notice the pavement arrows or overhead signs.
Do you signal when in a turn-only traffic lane? Tell us in the comments below.
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RVT1261
I always use my signals, people who don’t appear lazy and ignorant to me. And I’m not the only one who feels this way. It’s the law, why not?
Bob, sometimes I purposely don’t use my signal in the turn only lane. It’s not because I’m lazy or ignorant, it’s because it could create a hazard.
Like many large Class A rigs, my side cameras are on when the turn signal is on and that negates my ability to see my navigation screen.
As I make the turn, I need to see which lane I need to occupy for the next transition but if my signal is still on when I’m in the middle of a turn, my navigation screen is off.
I have a choice: Disconnect the blind spot cameras and condemn all turns more dangerous, do forced lane changes when navigation returns or sometimes execute a turn in a turn only lane without a signal. I’ll do the latter.
get in the habit of using you turn signal always. ALWAYS
Is it really that hard for Mark to use a turn signal? Maybe a better question would be why didn’t you use your turn signal? Somehow my turn signals always get used for turning and lane changing. Always.
Did he signal his shift into the turn lane? My guess is he did not, or his turn signal probably would have still been on.
That is what I was thinking.
Law enforcement would be handed out tickets constantly all around this country due to the number of people who do NOT use their turn signals according to the safety laws. Plus, the cities would be making BILLIONS of dollars from these fines. So why aren’t they??
It’s not about the laws, it’s about making money for the city/state/county/whatever.
Never signal. It will ruin the surprise 🙂
Do you ever check your signal light fluid?
It’s usually called blinker fluid.
I didn’t want to confuse him! 🙂
Absolutely, signal, brake, turn – or check adjacent lane, signal, check again, move over.
Cannot tell you how many vehicles I follow in the right lane that brake, come almost to a stop, signal and turn right. We cross the country N-S twice a year and in my opinion, Texans are the worst for this behavior.
A similar issue is slowing way down on an Interstate from the main lane rather than move into the exit deceleration lane first.
Most drivers I have experienced BRAKE first and then at the last minute before the turn they use thier turn signal. I have no idea what they are doing when they just brake in a lane without signaling. It tells me that they don’t have a thought in their head and don’t care about other drivers…….until they get rear-ended and wonder why they do!
If only people would use their signal light leaving a round-a-bout!
Why? Waiting two seconds to see where a vehicle is exiting isn’t too long to wait. It is the people that sit there and wait for a vehicle on the opposite side of the roundabout that causes problems.
Well Dennis, if you have ever been waiting to get into a busy round-a-bout, you would know why!
And if it’s a LINE of cars?
Well according to the letter of the law (sic), you are required to use your turn signal when making a turn!
It is amazing how many people dont think laws apply to them.
Can’t tolerate drivers who use their turn signal after initiating the turn or after moving into the turn lane. Signal your intent means use it before initiating a turn or lane change!
Using your turn signals is also a courtesy to other drivers.
I was stopped by the Iowa highway patrol this past week, they had placed a minivan on top of a bridge overpass, on a two lane roadway. The the minivan had it’s “Flashers” on. When
I did not change lanes, because there were cars along side of me, I stayed in my lane and passed the “Stalled” van, On the other side of the bridge, 8 patrol cars were waiting for those of us, that did not change lanes when passing the “Stalled” vehicle on the bridge! Trapping us in this manner, they issued tickets, for the “Iowa violation” of not changing lanes, while passing “Their Stalled vehicle Set-Up” ON TOP OF A BRIDGE!
This sounds like entrapment!. ND now also has the move over law for law enforcement or any vehicle on the side of the road. I believe the law also says “when able”. The idea is to not create an accident trying to comply! Moving into the passing lane which is occupied is not only dangerous to moving vehicles but also on the road side in the event of a crash! IA should review their policy and overturn these citations – IMO!
In Florida if you are unable to change lanes, like in this situation, law requires you to decrease speed to 20 mph under the posted speed limit
The law applies in Alaska, but while I think it is a good practice, I think it is a dumb law. I have noticed that many turn lanes have several entrances and exits along the lane. I have had people pull out in front of me, thinking I was going to turn into where they were entering, when I was actually going to turn at the intersection. So I have gotten in the habit of waiting until I am approaching the intersection before I turn my signal on. Having said that, there is never an excuse for not using your turn signal prior to changing lanes.
Amazing how many people buy very expensive cars and do not order the turn signal option.
I actually remember when turn signals were an option. J.C. Whitney to the rescue.
would be nice if they had working brake lights also.
I always use my signals. Required or not. My high school driver training instructor was my football coach and everything was by the book. A 56 year habit.
I ALWAYS use my turn signals. As a result, after 60 years of driving — never an accident.
I always signal regardless, simply because so many drivers don’t pay attention to the road. They are too busy texting or not realizing what traffic lane they are in.
Yes, it is still the law, I think everywhere. I was in law enforcement for 30 years and that was an easy way to stop someone to look for something illegal.
Also, don’t signal at the last second, it should be at least 100 ft before the turn.
Turn signals should “always” be used. The number of people who fail to use them at all is astonishing and frightening. If you form the habit to use them for every lane change and turn (well in advance) you will likely not forget to use it sometime (and avoid getting a ticket you deserve). Never look for an “excuse” to not use your turn signals (and your hazard warning 4-way flashers, also). It’s an important method of communication whether you’re in traffic or all alone.
I alway do.
I have run into some scary situations where I’ve used my turn signal to indicate a lane change, and people have deliberately sped up in order to cut me off. This is why I try to find out whether my destination or exit is on the left or right and get into the appropriate lane LONG before I actually need to be in it…
I always use my “turn signal” even when pulling into my driveway. Why wouldn’t I want to alert everyone of what I am about to do. It’s actually “muscle memory”. I barely think about it.
Be courteous and smart….
Almost always, which means more than twice as often as the average of the vehicles around me.
The funny thing about getting a ticket for not signaling is that the police themselves are frequent offenders.
Maybe Mark was singled-out because he was from out of state, or the officer needed to show his sergeant that he was writing enough tickets?
Seriously. A simple ticket turns into a major issue. Just like an alligator. Can’t let it go. Might want to take it to court and see if you can get it over turned. Just be forewarned. If the issuing cop shows up you still have to pay. If not you might get off.
Yes, I always use my signals. I made it a habit 60+ years ago. Some folks who are asleep at the wheel need to see what you’re doing. And I’ve seen cops not bother to use theirs.
People in small towns don’t signal, because everybody KNOWS where they’re going to turn…..LOL
Having driven delivery trucks and tractor trailers for 47 years, there IS one situation in which i don’t signal. If I’m in the second (left) lane of a 2 lane exit. Because signaling in that situation could cause the driver(s) on my right to think I didn’t see them, and am moving over. I’ll die on that hill.
Ok…ok..ok….so, we just returned for a trip to Rhode Island where the worst of the worst drivers go. In more than 50 years of driving, I have never seen such arrogant, rude, self-absorbed, …..just downright poor drivers anywhere else on the planet. Everyone was driving with a cellphone in their hand.
Side note: In four days of driving, there were ZERO police officers on any type of traffic detail.
Enough of my rant- back to the topic at hand:
I saw drivers (YES, this is plural!!!) in the left lane with a left directional on cut across three lanes of traffic to make a right turn. Of course, most never used a directional in the first place.
Sorry, I ran out of room from the post above.
From being in RI for four days, I have a question for the audience:
Would you rather have a driver use a directional and NOT turn
or
A driver Not use a directional and turn?