When Should You Use Your Blinker?

You should use your blinker any time you intend to turn, change lanes, merge, enter or exit a roundabout or highway, pull away from or toward the curb, or otherwise move laterally in traffic—activating it at least 100 feet before the maneuver (200–300 feet at higher speeds in many places) and keeping it on until the move is complete. This guidance reflects common traffic laws and safety best practices; specifics vary by jurisdiction, but the principle is universal: signal whenever your path or position will affect others.

The core rule: signal whenever your path or position will change

Turn signals communicate intent and give other road users time and space to react. Most U.S. states require you to signal before turning or changing lanes and to do so continuously for a minimum distance or time. Even where the law is silent on exact distances, safety guidance remains the same—signal early, clearly, and continuously until the maneuver is complete, then cancel the signal promptly.

Common situations that require signaling

The following everyday scenarios typically require you to use your blinker under state laws and standard driving manuals. Signal early and keep the indicator on until you finish the intended movement.

• Turns at intersections or into driveways and alleys.
• Lane changes on any road, including multi-lane city streets and freeways.
• Merging into traffic from an on-ramp, shoulder, or acceleration lane.
• Entering and exiting roundabouts: signal right as you prepare to exit.
• Entering or exiting freeways, and when moving between express lanes and general lanes.
• Passing and returning to your lane on two-lane roads.
• Pulling away from a curb or shoulder and re-entering the traffic lane.
• Parking maneuvers (parallel, angle, or backing into a space) and pulling into or out of parking lots.
• U-turns or three-point turns where legal.
• Slowing significantly or stopping in an unexpected location—use brake lights; if disabled or stopped off-road, use hazard lights where legal.

These situations cover nearly all lateral or turning movements that other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians need to anticipate. When in doubt, signal—the small effort offers a major safety payoff and is almost always required.

How far in advance to signal

While exact rules vary by state or country, these benchmarks reflect common legal standards and best practices for signaling distance and timing.

• At least 100 feet before a turn or lane change in most U.S. states.
• 200–300 feet at higher speeds (often above 45–50 mph) or in rural areas, depending on state law.
• For lane changes, aim for about 3–5 seconds of signaling to give others time to react.
• Keep the signal on through the maneuver and cancel immediately afterward to avoid confusion.
• If your turn signal fails, use hand signals until it’s fixed: left arm straight out for a left turn; left arm bent up for a right turn; left arm down for slowing/stopping.
• Hazard lights are for breakdowns or emergencies; using them while moving is restricted in some states—check local law.

If your vehicle’s “lane-change” feature blinks only three times, extend the signal manually if needed so it remains on for the full approach and maneuver.

Special scenarios and best practices

Some situations cause confusion or have specific conventions. These practices align with U.S. driver manuals and traffic engineering guidance.

• Roundabouts: do not signal on approach; signal right just before your exit to indicate you’re leaving the circle.
• Turn-only lanes: still signal. The signal confirms intent to nearby users who might not see lane markings.
• Multiple lanes at once: illegal in many places; change one lane at a time, signaling for each move.
• Parking lots and private roads: use signals—other drivers and pedestrians rely on them, and many laws still apply.
• Low visibility (night, rain, snow, fog): signal earlier and longer to compensate for reduced sight lines.
• Motorcyclists and bicyclists: must signal turns and lane changes; riders may use hand signals if equipment isn’t available or visible.
• Emergency stops or disabled vehicles: pull off safely, activate hazards where legal, and use additional warning devices if available.
• Courtesy signals (hand waves, headlight flashes): not a substitute for turn signals and can be misinterpreted—use your blinker.

Consistency is key: predictable, timely signaling reduces conflict and collisions, especially in complex environments like multilane arterials and roundabouts.

Legal notes

Traffic laws differ by state and country. In the U.S., a continuous signal for at least the last 100 feet before turning or changing lanes is commonly required; some states mandate 200–300 feet at higher speeds. Failure to signal can result in citations, fines, and points on your license, and it provides lawful grounds for a traffic stop. Hazard-light use while moving is legal in some states only for emergencies; others prohibit it except when stopped. Always verify local rules with your DMV or transport authority.

Quick checklist

Use this short checklist to make signaling automatic and effective in everyday driving.

1. Look and plan: decide early that you’ll turn, merge, or change lanes.
2. Signal early: generally 100 feet in town, 200–300 feet at higher speeds.
3. Check mirrors and blind spots while the signal is on.
4. Make the maneuver smoothly and predictably.
5. Cancel the signal promptly as the move ends.
6. If signals fail, use hand signals and get the lights repaired immediately.

Following this sequence ensures others can anticipate your movement and gives you time to verify it’s safe to proceed.

Summary

Use your blinker for every turn, lane change, merge, roundabout exit, and parking or curb movement—activating it early (at least 100 feet, more at higher speeds) and keeping it on through the maneuver. Cancel it promptly afterward, avoid using hazards while moving unless permitted for emergencies, and default to signaling even in turn-only lanes. Clear, consistent signaling is both a legal requirement and one of the simplest ways to prevent crashes.

When should you put your blinker on?

You should signal:

1. At least 100 feet before you turn.
2. Before every lane change.
3. At least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.
4. Before pulling next to the curb or away from the curb.
5. Even when you do not see other vehicles around you.

How early should I put on the blinker?

Put your turn signal on approximately 100 feet before you reach the intersection. When driving on the highway and indicating an exit, lane change, or overtake, start your indicator lights approximately 900 feet before you make the change.

What is a good rule for using turn signals?

The general rule is: Turn on your blinker about 100 feet before a turn. Signal at least three to five seconds before changing lanes.

When to use signals when driving?

If there is no one moving around you then there is no need to signal. However, if you believe that another road user or pedestrian may benefit, then to indicate would be the correct thing to do. Be aware of the dangers of an early signal. Always identify where you intend to stop before signalling.