Sử dụng đèn xi nhan báo rẽ thế nào cho đúng cách?
Article 15 of the Road Traffic Law clearly states: When wanting to change direction, the driver must reduce speed and give a turn signal.
While turning, drivers of automobiles and specialized motorcyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists traveling on their designated lanes, yield to oncoming vehicles, and only turn when they observe that it will not obstruct or endanger other people and vehicles.
What are turn signals?
Turn signals are devices on vehicles (such as cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and electric bikes) used to indicate the direction of travel. They are usually located at the front and rear of the vehicle and are activated manually by pressing a switch or button.
When the turn signal is activated, the turn signal lights will flash or illuminate continuously in a specific pattern to inform other vehicles that the vehicle intends to turn left or right or change lanes.
Turn signals play a crucial role in enhancing traffic safety and ensuring smooth and visible visibility while driving on the road.
Situations where turn signals must be used
According to the 2008 Road Traffic Law, there are several situations where using turn signals is mandatory:
When overtaking.
When changing lanes.
When changing direction (turning right, turning left, making a U-turn).
When moving the vehicle from a parking space or pulling over to the curb to stop or park.
In addition to the above cases, to ensure safety while driving, drivers should turn on their turn signals in the following situations:
When going through a roundabout: The rule is to turn on the left turn signal when entering the roundabout and turn on the right turn signal when exiting the roundabout.
When driving on a curve: Drivers should turn on their turn signals when navigating a curve that is not a turn, lane change, or other intersection.
When it is safe and does not pose a danger to other road users behind or coming from the opposite direction, it is not mandatory to turn on the turn signal.
When reversing into an alley: Drivers should turn on their turn signals because visibility is limited, making it difficult to adjust the vehicle's direction, and to facilitate the movement of other vehicles.
When passing through a Y-shaped intersection: If there is a sign indicating the turn, the driver must turn on the turn signal as usual. However, if there is no sign and you go straight along the right-hand branch (from the base of the Y upwards), then turning on the turn signal is not necessary.
When reversing into a parallel parking space: Although there are no specific regulations, it is necessary to apply the law and for everyone's safety, so turn on the turn signal on the side of the vehicle you are reversing into. This way, other road users will know to avoid or yield the right of way.
How to properly turn on and off turn signals?
Turning turn signals on and off at the right time is crucial when driving, ensuring the safety of all road users and preventing accidents.
If a driver turns on their turn signal and immediately makes a turn or lane change, it can surprise and confuse other drivers. Conversely, turning off the turn signal too late is also not good, as it makes it difficult for other drivers around to understand.
Traffic laws do not specify a mandatory distance for turning on turn signals before changing direction. However, turning on the turn signal too early or turning it off too late is also not advisable, as it can cause confusion for other vehicles around.
Therefore, to ensure safety, when slowing down before entering a turn, you should turn on your turn signal about 25-30 meters beforehand, and after completing the turn, maintain a straight driving position for another 5-10 meters before turning it off. This way, other drivers nearby will know when the vehicle is about to change direction and when it has finished changing direction.
Handling cases where turn signals are not activated
Government Decree 46/2016/ND-CP dated May 26, 2016, stipulating administrative penalties for violations in the field of road and rail transport, clearly states:
For drivers and passengers in cars and similar vehicles.
A fine of 300,000 to 400,000 VND will be imposed on drivers who commit any of the following acts: changing lanes in an unauthorized location or without giving a signal beforehand;
A fine of VND 600,000 to VND 800,000 will be imposed on drivers who commit one of the following acts: changing direction without reducing speed or without giving a turn signal (except when driving along a curved section of road where there is no intersection at the same level);
Phạt tiền từ 800.000 đồng đến 1.200.000 đồng đối với người điều khiển xe chuyển làn đường không đúng nơi cho phép hoặc không có tín hiệu báo trước khi chạy trên đường cao tốc.
Đối với người ngồi trên xe mô tô, xe gắn máy (kể cả xe máy điện), các loại xe tương tự xe mô tô và các loại xe tương tự xe gắn máy
Phạt tiền từ 80.000 đồng đến 100.000 đồng đối với người điều khiển xe thực hiện một trong các hành vi chuyển làn đường không đúng nơi được phép hoặc không có tín hiệu báo trước;
Phạt tiền từ 300.000 đồng đến 400.000 đồng đối với một trong các hành vi chuyển hướng không giảm tốc độ hoặc không có tín hiệu báo hướng rẽ (trừ trường hợp điều khiển xe đi theo hướng cong của đoạn đường bộ ở nơi đường không giao nhau cùng mức).
