What distance should you use your turn signals before turning?

What distance should you use your turn signals before turning?

• A. 200 ft before turning
• B. 100 ft before turning
• C. 3-5 seconds before turning
• D. 500 ft before turning

Answer: (B)

You signal before you turn to warn other drivers of your intended movement so they have time to react. The standard rule is to use your turn signal at least 100 feet before turning. This fixed distance gives drivers behind you a clear, consistent cue in most city speeds, making the turn safer without signaling too early. The other options aren’t as reliable. Signaling 200 or 500 feet can be unnecessary or confusing in typical urban traffic, and you might end up signaling long before you actually turn. A time-based cue like 3–5 seconds varies with your speed, so the distance covered during those seconds isn’t the same every time, which makes it harder for following motorists to gauge your intent.

You signal before you turn to warn other drivers of your intended movement so they have time to react. The standard rule is to use your turn signal at least 100 feet before turning. This fixed distance gives drivers behind you a clear, consistent cue in most city speeds, making the turn safer without signaling too early.

The other options aren’t as reliable. Signaling 200 or 500 feet can be unnecessary or confusing in typical urban traffic, and you might end up signaling long before you actually turn. A time-based cue like 3–5 seconds varies with your speed, so the distance covered during those seconds isn’t the same every time, which makes it harder for following motorists to gauge your intent.