How long should you use your turn signal when changing lanes?

The transportation authority states that while current regulations do not specify an exact number of blinks, drivers must continuously use their turn signals throughout the entire lane-changing process. There have been cases where drivers were fined NT$1,200 despite using their turn signals. The Kaohsiung City Government Transportation Bureau explains that according to Article 109 of the Road Traffic Safety Rules, drivers must use turn signals when changing lanes and keep them on until the maneuver is fully completed. This means from the moment the vehicle begins preparing to change lanes while still in the original lane, until it has completely entered the new lane, the turn signal must remain active.In one past case, a driver turned on their signal but turned it off after only two blinks, later receiving a violation ticket. The driver contested the fine, claiming they had signaled. However, the court reviewed police evidence footage and determined that the turn signal was not continuously on during the lane change, failing to meet the legal requirement of 'continuous use throughout the process.' The appeal was dismissed, and the fine upheld.Under current regulations, violations on highways and expressways can result in fines from NT$3,000 to NT$6,000, while general roads carry a NT$1,200 fine.The bureau emphasizes that turn signals are not just for avoiding fines but are crucial for communicating driving intentions to surrounding vehicles and road users, allowing time for reaction and safe avoidance, significantly reducing accident risks. Therefore, all drivers—whether in cars or motorcycles—should develop the habit of correctly using turn signals, keeping them on continuously during turns and lane changes until the maneuver is complete, to jointly ensure road safety.Many drivers have the habit of signaling only at the last moment when changing lanes, which greatly increases the risk of rear-end collisions. According to the Road Traffic Safety Rules, drivers must signal in advance when turning. Failure to use turn signals as required can result in fines up to NT$1,200 under the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act.The New Taipei City Adjudication Office also reminds drivers to turn on their turn signals when approaching Y-shaped or T-shaped intersections to inform vehicles ahead and behind of their turning intentions, ensuring safety and avoiding fines.There is no explicit regulation on how long a turn signal must blink, but drivers must use it throughout the entire lane change—from driving in the original lane, during the transition, until fully completing the change.Failure to use turn signals during turns or lane changes can result in fines from NT$1,200 to NT$3,600; on highways, fines range from NT$3,000 to NT$6,000.Correct Use of Turn Signals: Standard Procedures for Starting, Turning, Lane Changing, and OvertakingAccording to Article 109 of the Road Traffic Safety Rules, drivers must correctly display turn signals when performing the following actions:Starting:Before starting to move, drivers must signal to alert vehicles behind.Turning and Lane Changing:When making a left or right turn, drivers must pre-activate the front and rear turn signals on the corresponding side. When changing lanes, the signal for the intended direction must be activated in advance and remain on until the turn or lane change is fully completed.Overtaking in the Same Lane:When overtaking a vehicle ahead in the same lane, drivers must first activate the left turn signal and maintain a safe distance of at least 50 cm to the left of the vehicle being passed. After successfully overtaking and reaching a safe distance, the right turn signal must be activated before returning to the original lane.Headlight and Fog Light Usage Regulations: Six Situations Where Failing to Turn on Headlights May Result in FinesAccording to Article 109 of the Road Traffic Safety Rules, drivers must correctly turn on vehicle lights under the following conditions:1. Nighttime Driving:Headlights must be on throughout nighttime driving.2. Special Sections:Headlights must be turned on when passing through tunnels or reversible lanes.3. Poor Visibility:Headlights must be immediately turned on in conditions such as heavy fog, heavy rain, snowfall, dim lighting, or any situation with poor visibility.4. Fog Light Restrictions:Fog lights must not be used arbitrarily except during heavy rain or dense fog, to avoid glare that could impair other drivers' vision.5. Signage Instructions:When passing through mountainous areas, special sections, culverts, or underground roadways designated by highway or police authorities, drivers must strictly follow on-site signage to turn on lights.6. Meeting or Following Vehicles:When meeting oncoming traffic at night, or when there is a vehicle within 100 meters ahead in the same direction, drivers must use low beams (do not misuse high beams), except when legally overtaking.Source: Kaohsiung City Government Transportation BureauResponsible Editor: Lin Li