Are drivers breaking the law if they don’t use their turn signals? What Florida says

Are turn signals optional on Miami roads?

Sure seems that way sometimes.

Here’s what Florida law says about the use of turn signals on the road:

What does Florida law say about turn signals?

According to Florida law, the use of turn signals is required. Drivers can be fined if they don’t use them.

Here’s what to know:

▪ Safety: “No person may turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left on a highway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety — and then only after giving an appropriate signal in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.”

▪ Give the signal:. “A signal of intention to turn right or left must be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning,” the state says. Don’t just stop or suddenly slow down without first giving an appropriate signal for the drivers of any cars immediately behind you. Giving a signal may help you avoid getting rear-ended.

▪ No confusing signals: Use your car’s turn signals to let others know you wish to turn or to move over to overtake or pass another car. Don’t use them as instructional beacons to share messages to other drivers. For instance, you’re stopped or disabled and you want to tell those behind you to move to the next lane so you figure on flashing your signal in the direction you want others to take. Or as a signal to say something like: “I see you racing up behind me. I’m going to turn on my left or right turn signal now as a directive to you to move into the other lane I’m pointing at. I’m not moving or turning, so you do so.”

▪ Cost of a violation: Failure to properly use a turn signal could be considered a noncriminal traffic infraction, a moving violation. That could result in a fine of no more than $150. But the ticket could also yield three points placed on your license. Points on a license will almost assuredly raise your insurance cost. Traffic school class could also be assigned, according to Umansky, an Orlando law firm that offers criminal defense and personal injury attorneys.

▪ Hand signals: Drivers can signal a left or right turn by properly extending their left arm out the driver’s side window for at least the last 100 feet traveled before turning. If you’ve forgotten what the signals are, here’s a reminder from the American Safety Council: To indicate a left turn, stick your left arm out the window and hold it straight out. To indicate a right turn stick your left arm out the window and bend it up, pointing to the sky. To indicate stopping or slowing if your brake lights are not working, stick your left arm out the window and bend it down toward the ground. (The exception: Bicyclists don’t have to extend the arm continuously for at least 100 feet if they need both arms to properly maintain control of the bike.)

Howard Cohen

Miami Herald

305-376-3619

Miami Herald consumer trends reporter Howard Cohen, a 2017 Media Excellence Awards winner, has covered pop music, theater, health and fitness, obituaries, municipal government, breaking news and general assignment. He started his career in the Features department at the Miami Herald in 1991. Cohen is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Communication. Support my work with a digital subscription