# When you're in a dedicated turning lane, do you signal? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 10, 2018, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556 "2018-02-10T00:06:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/21 "2018-02-10T05:53:30Z")
> [@OldGuy](#): > > Signalling is such an ingrained habit with me, that I usually put my signal on before turning out of my driveway. This. Signaling _should_ be a habit, an automatic reflex. Not a decision to be made at every turn. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/22 "2018-02-10T06:21:01Z")
I do, it’s instinctive. Or, rather, habitual, I suppose, would be a better word. I sometimes find myself signalling when a road takes a 90 degree turn and there is no other possible option for my vehicle to go. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/23 "2018-02-10T06:24:31Z")
I always signal, whether it’s in a left turn lane or a right turn lane. Even at a four way stop sign if I’m not going straight through. ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/24 "2018-02-10T06:34:21Z")
I do whatever makes me as predictable to other drivers as possible. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/25 "2018-02-10T07:16:08Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > If I am waiting at a red light, I shut the noisy bastard off until it is time to start moving. Otherwise, yes. I trust you are referring to dedicated turn lanes. Because I often turn left at an intersection near me which does not have a turn arrow. If a car on the other side is turning left (which is common) we can both proceed into the intersection at the same time. If he is going straight I need to wait until he crosses the intersection. All too often this other car does not signal until starting to move, as if the turn can’t be made with the signal off but ignoring the purpose of the signal, telling other people what you are doing. Grrr. As for me, I always do it even though it is not required in California. It is just a good habit to have. ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/26 "2018-02-10T13:49:17Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > No. No more so than would I signal if I came to a sharp bend in a road with no intersection. I’m in my lane, I continue in my lane, whether the lane is straight or not. > > If you were in a roundabout, would you hold down the left flasher all the way around the circle until you came to your exit? > > However, I’d probably have had to signal to get into the dedicated turning lane, so Id probably just leaave it on until I completed the turn. This. I wouldn’t leave my signal on after I got into the turning lane, though. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/27 "2018-02-10T14:05:58Z")
I’m one of those who thinks use of turn signals is needed in a civilized society. I’d be interested to know what states don’t require turn signals in turn lanes. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/28 "2018-02-10T14:24:44Z")
> [@Dendarii\_Dame](#): > > I always do, but I’ve noticed that most drivers where I live don’t. Always. ---
**Author:** ![watchwolf49](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9c0ed/32.png) [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/29 "2018-02-10T14:37:15Z")
I would put on my signal when I turn but usually it’s already on … ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/30 "2018-02-10T14:47:13Z")
> [@Randolph](#): > > Everybody should. Do you think the other drivers at all the other approaching intersections can see the same signage / lane markings / traffic lights that you can? (Using the general ‘you’ here.) This is the answer. Those behind understand you are in a turning lane but it might not be apparent to others at the intersection. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/31 "2018-02-10T14:53:17Z")
Always. Turn signals indicate my intent to the drivers around me. Why would I want to make them guess or be confused when it is so easy to be completely clear. You never know who around you is distracted, from out of town, a new driver and not know the markings of the lane I pulled into? I have the simplest tool one could use. Why wouldn’t I? ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/32 "2018-02-10T14:59:37Z")
I agree it’s best to have the habit of signaling all turns without regard to lane markings, presence of other cars, or other considerations. Though traffic circles seem to confuse the rules – should we signal in the last few feet to indicate we are taking _this_ exit, or what? One intersection near here makes me feel silly, though. One one-way road tees onto another. Not only are all the lanes of the first road turning in the same direction, the only other choice is to turn upstream, the wrong way. When I’m there I sometimes think the turn signal is really a choice indicator and I shouldn’t be using it, but then the habit, visibility, and confirmation considerations above vote that I should. Whenever I’m on a curve with a stop sign but no intersecting roads, I wonder if a cop behind me could ticket me for not signaling. Not using my curve signal, that is. ---
**Author:** ![Sveltington](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ab097/32.png) [@Sveltington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sveltington)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/33 "2018-02-10T15:43:23Z")
Yes. But it is an unconscious force of habit. I am usually unconscious when driving. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/34 "2018-02-10T16:54:17Z")
> [@Penfeather](#): > > I do whatever makes me as predictable to other drivers as possible. Other drivers are not the only parties that need your signal. Peds and bicyclists do as well. Even if you see no one around, you should signal (and drop your high beams for non-motorists any time you notice them approaching). ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/35 "2018-02-10T20:39:34Z")
Yes, I always do. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/36 "2018-02-10T21:24:29Z")
I usually do. Main exceptions are two intersections I go through regularly in which there is no option but to turn right. One is a dead end to a one-way and the other is a place where the four lane street is physically into two lanes going straight and two where the only way you physically go is left. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/37 "2018-02-10T21:30:47Z")
2 things/questions. When turning left from a side street onto a 4 lane road/street, I am supposed to turn into the inside lane/left lane as viewed from the road I am entering. Mannys peoples do not do this. :::: Gr :::: I have my left turn signal on and if clear am more than ½ way into that lane I will immediately put the right turn signal on to indicate that I am moving to the right or outside lane as long as I can see I am clear. This is extremely important if there is no protected left turn light /lane/signal. Correct procedure? I do not use a turn signal on a complicated interstate intersection with fly overs and a lot of curves, some left & right on the section and am not changing lanes. Correct? Fact: My signal is not primarily a request, although it could be but it is more a notification of intent. Honking. giving the finger etc. Is silly if my maneuver is safe & legal. If you think you need and deserve a 15 car length safe zone in front of you in a 40 MPH zone with no special; problems in the area, I will use one or two lengths of it and you can act the idiot all you want. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/38 "2018-02-10T22:13:40Z")
I don’t trust cars that don’t signal. If they are in a dedicated turn lane, and are not signaling, I assume that they are from Canada and are just confused, and are likely to hit me. People like **jtur88** are why there are so many stupid accidents. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/39 "2018-02-10T22:31:52Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > I don’t trust cars that don’t signal. > If they are in a dedicated turn lane, and are not signaling, I assume that they are from Canada and are just confused, and are likely to hit me. > People like **jtur88** are why there are so many stupid accidents. Yeah, thing is around here, people _will_ get into a “right turn only” lane and then just go straight. This is particularly why I appreciate people signaling. At least I then know they are aware that they are in a right turn lane and have intentions to actually turn right. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2018, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556/40 "2018-02-10T22:52:52Z")
Always. It was what my Dad did (he taught me to drive) and drilled into my brain along with “always signal your turns even if no other cars are around ------ just in case you’re wrong about that”. Although my favorite Dad-driving-ism is still "remember that the last time the guy driving that big orange and silver or yellow truck (meaning rentals) drove one was ---- never. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-in-a-dedicated-turning-lane-do-you-signal/808556.md?page=3)