Q&A for How to Use Your Turn Signal

Simply push the signal lever into the neutral position. The neutral position is located between the left and right turn signal positions, and is the default signal lever position on a car.

Yes. It is always good practice to use your blinker. It keeps you safe and it lets those around you know where you're going.

Yes, you must use your turn signals when moving into and out of any lane. This is true whether passing on a highway or overtaking another car on a regular road.

It's not necessarily the law, but it's good driving etiquette, so yes. If you are pulling or backing into a space, the use of your turn signal lets traffic behind you know that you are preparing to change direction.

You should brake, which will trigger your brake lights and let the car behind you know you are stopping. You do not need to signal a turn if you are not turning.

The answer depends on how you are using your turn signal. If merging into highway traffic, activate your turn signal about halfway down the on-ramp before it meets the highway. When turning on normal roads, you should try to give yourself at least 30 yards, but don't switch the turn signal on if there are other roads between your vehicle and the road you want to turn on.

Signal to the side you are going to give them space. If you want the ambulance to overtake on your left, you should signal right, so they know where you're going.

Consult your vehicle's maintenance guide for more information about troubleshooting your turn signals. Contract a trained mechanic if the problem persists.

Yes, using the turn signal when turning is far safer than the alternative of not using it.

You technically are required to use your signal whenever you change lanes, but if there is nobody around, there is nobody who could complain about it.

Technically, you always have to signal when changing lanes. You are required to do that even when nobody is around, but who would complain if nobody was around?

The other driver will probably notice an oncoming vehicle but if he does not, use your horn to alert the drivers around that there is an issue with the lane the driver wants to merge into.

The turn signals/blinkers are only used for lane changing and turning. The only time you’d use the signals while going straight is if approaching a turn or lane changing.

If you need to brake for turning, signall before you start braking. If you don't have to brake (for example, when changing lanes), simply check your surroundings, signal, and change the lane.

You should only use the clutch if you need to change gears. You should not keep your clutch down when turning; that makes the car more difficult to control.

Yes, you do. You are essentially merging from traffic to the parking lane.

To turn left, aim and point your arm straight out your window. If turning right, aim your arm straight up through your window pointing to the right. The only time you’d use hand signals is if your signal is not working, or you're on a motorcycle or any road vehicle with no turn signal (bicycles, etc.).

The usual distance to activate the turn signal before approaching a stop sign is 100 ft. Even if no other cars are around, you should always use your turn signal when approaching a stop sign.

No matter what, you must always use the turn signal to turn. Even if you’re in a turn lane, law requires that you use your turn signal.

If the signal is signaling left, push the lever up. If signaling right, push the lever down to the start position.