How to use turn signals properly?
Article 15 of the Road Traffic Law states: When wanting to change direction, the driver must reduce speed and signal the turn.
While changing direction, car drivers and specialized motorbike drivers must give the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists on their designated lanes, give way to vehicles going in the opposite direction, and only change direction when they observe that it does not cause obstacles or danger to other people and vehicles.
What is turn signal?
A turn signal is a device on a vehicle (such as a car, motorbike, bicycle, electric bicycle) used to signal the direction of travel of that vehicle. It is usually located at the front and rear of the vehicle, activated manually by pressing a switch or pressing a button.
When the turn signal is turned on, the turn signal lights will flash or stay on continuously in a certain pattern to notify other vehicles that the vehicle is intending to turn left or right or change lanes.
Turn signals play an important role in enhancing traffic safety and helping to create clarity and visibility while moving on the road.
Cases where turn signals must be turned on
According to the Road Traffic Law 2008, there are some cases where turning on the turn signal is mandatory:
When overtaking.
When changing lanes.
When changing direction (turn right, turn left, make a U-turn).
When moving the vehicle from a parking position or driving close to the sidewalk to stop or park.
In addition to the above cases, to ensure safety when participating in traffic, drivers should turn on 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 use their turn signals when traveling on a curve without having to turn, change direction or change lanes.
When it is safe and does not endanger traffic participants behind or in the opposite direction, it is not required to turn on the turn signal.
When reversing into an alley: The driver should turn on the turn signal because of limited visibility, difficulty in adjusting the direction of the vehicle and to facilitate the movement of other vehicles.
When going through a Y-shaped intersection: If there is a sign indicating a turn, the driver must turn on the turn signal as usual. However, if there is no sign and the driver goes straight along the right branch (from the bottom of the Y up), the turn signal is not required.
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, turn on the turn signal on the side of the vehicle that will be reversing. This way, other road users will know to avoid or give way.
How to turn on and off turn signals properly?
Turning on and off turn signals at the right time is very important when participating in traffic, ensuring the safety of all road users and avoiding the risk of accidents.
If the driver turns on the turn signal and immediately makes a turn or lane change, it will cause surprise and inconvenience to other drivers. On the contrary, turning off the turn signal too late is also not good, because this makes other drivers around confused.
Traffic laws do not specify a required distance to turn on the turn signal before turning the vehicle. However, turning the signal on too early or off too late is not recommended, because it will cause confusion for other vehicles around.
Therefore, to ensure safety, if you slow down when entering a turn, you should turn on your turn signal about 25-30 meters before, and after finishing the turn, also maintain the straight-ahead position for another 5-10 meters before turning off the turn signal. This way, people nearby will know when the car is about to change direction, and when it has finished changing direction.
How to handle the case of not turning on the turn signal
Decree No. 46/2016/ND-CP dated May 26, 2016 of the Government regulating administrative sanctions for violations in the field of road and railway traffic, clearly states:
For drivers and passengers of cars and other similar vehicles
A fine of 300,000 VND to 400,000 VND shall be imposed on a driver who commits one of the following acts: changing lanes in an unauthorized place or without signaling;
A fine of between VND 600,000 and VND 800,000 shall be imposed on a driver who commits one of the following acts: changing direction without reducing speed or without signaling a turn (except in the case of driving along a curved road section where the road does not intersect at the same level);
Fines from VND800,000 to VND1,200,000 shall be imposed on drivers who change lanes in unauthorized places or do not signal before driving on the highway.
For people riding motorcycles, mopeds (including electric motorbikes), motorbike-like vehicles and moped-like vehicles
A fine of 80,000 to 100,000 VND shall be imposed on a driver who commits one of the following acts: changing lanes in an unauthorized place or without signaling;
A fine of between VND 300,000 and VND 400,000 shall be imposed for one of the following acts: changing direction without reducing speed or without signaling (except for driving along a curved road section where the roads do not intersect at the same level).
