You must signal at least 100 feet before making a turn as a general rule, though the exact distance varies by state laws. For example, many states require signaling at least 100 feet before a turn in urban areas, and some recommend signaling even earlier-up to 200 feet or more-especially at higher speeds to give other drivers ample time to react
. Commercial vehicles may need to signal as far as 300 feet ahead of a turn
. In terms of timing, signaling about 3 to 5 seconds before the turn is typically sufficient in slower traffic, but earlier signaling is advised on highways or at higher speeds
. The key is to signal early enough to communicate your intention clearly without causing confusion to other drivers
. In some states, legal requirements specify a minimum distance such as 300 feet before the intersection where you plan to turn, which can lead to practical challenges if intersections are closely spaced
. In such cases, drivers are advised to use judgment to avoid confusing other road users. In summary:
- Minimum signaling distance before a turn: generally 100 feet (about 30 meters)
- Recommended signaling distance in higher-speed or rural areas: 200 to 300 feet
- Signal duration: about 3 to 5 seconds before turning
- Adjust signaling distance based on speed and traffic conditions to ensure safety and clarity
This practice helps maintain smooth traffic flow and reduces accidents by clearly communicating your intentions to others on the road
