You must turn on your signal lights in advance of your turn or lane change. A good rule when driving at speeds under 60 km/h is to signal at least 30 m before turning. At higher speeds, signal at least 150 m from the corner.
When changing lanes, you must signal and do mirror and shoulder checks before you begin to move out of your lane.
If your signal lights or brake lights fail, these hand signals must be used.
(and are also used by cyclists).
Left turn
Right turn
Stopping or slowing abruptly
Turn signals
When you use turn signals, you're saying, "I intend to turn or change lanes." If you wait until you're actually turning or changing lanes before you signal, you're not telling other drivers what you intend to do. They can already see that you are turning.
The procedure when you plan to turn or change lanes:
- Assuming that you know the status of your gates and are properly positioned for the turn, signal.
- Check your mirror.
- Shoulder check your blind spot for the gate you are moving into.
- Start the turn or lane change.
- Cancel signal once turn or lane change is complete.
If you are approaching an intersection and want to change lanes, complete your lane change and cancel your signal before entering the intersection or wait until you pass through the intersection before turning on your signal and changing lanes. This helps to keep intersections safer and avoid confusion.