Should You Use Turn Signals or Hazard Lights When Parking by the Roadside? Police Reveal Correct Practice: 'Wrong Use Can Result in a Fine of Up to NT$3,600'

When vehicles travel on roads, not only are speed limits, signs, and signals regulated, but also the proper use of vehicle lights. However, many drivers have the habit of turning on hazard lights (double yellow blinkers) when preparing to park or reverse, believing it provides a more obvious warning. This can confuse following road users, making it difficult to determine whether the vehicle intends to turn left, turn right, or has broken down.

Previously, a netizen questioned whether the function that automatically activates hazard lights when shifting into reverse gear is legal. They also expressed concern that this feature might cause their vehicle to fail inspection or result in a fine. The topic sparked discussion, with some drivers sharing experiences that vehicles with aftermarket devices linking reverse gear to hazard lights were required to remove the setup during inspection.

Should you use turn signals or hazard lights when parking by the roadside?

A netizen previously posted on Mobile01 stating that their vehicle automatically flashes hazard lights when reversing. However, they heard this feature might not pass inspection, and using hazard lights while reversing could be considered a violation. They were curious about the correct way to use signal lights.

Many netizens shared similar experiences. Some said that after installing equipment linking reverse gear to hazard lights, their vehicle was required to remove the setup during inspection. Others pointed out that the issue isn't that drivers can't manually turn on hazard lights in any situation, but rather that hazard lights should not be permanently and automatically linked to reverse gear.

Some drivers believe that using hazard lights when parking by the roadside may prevent following vehicles from immediately determining the direction of movement. A clearer approach is to turn on the turn signal corresponding to the direction of movement before approaching the parking spot, combined with brake lights and reverse lights, to inform other road users of the vehicle’s next action.

Is linking hazard lights to reverse gear always illegal?

According to current 'Road Traffic Safety Rules,' when a vehicle reverses, it should display reverse lights or use hand signals, reverse slowly and cautiously, and pay attention to other vehicles and pedestrians. The regulation does not explicitly state that 'turning on hazard lights while reversing will always result in a penalty,' so it cannot be concluded that a driver will definitely receive a fine solely because hazard lights are on.

However, vehicle safety inspection standards require that turn signals be independently operable, and hazard warning lights should generally be activated by a separate control device. Hazard lights may automatically activate after a collision, emergency braking, or when the vehicle experiences a specific safety risk. However, if aftermarket anti-theft devices, surround-view systems, or other equipment are installed, causing hazard lights to automatically and permanently link to reverse gear, the lighting operation may not meet specifications and could fail inspection.

As for factory-installed functions that have passed official type safety certification, whether they comply with regulations still depends on reviewing the approved specifications and actual operating logic of the vehicle model. It cannot be universally assumed that all factory settings are illegal.

When parking by the roadside, turn on turn signals first

The Tainan City Police Department’s 6th Precinct has advised that when preparing to park by the roadside, drivers should first turn on their turn signals to inform following vehicles of their intended movement. If backing into a parking space is necessary, after shifting into reverse gear, drivers should confirm that the reverse lights are functioning properly, reverse slowly, and remain aware of surrounding vehicles and pedestrians.

After completing parking and preparing to pull away from the parking space, drivers must also first turn on their turn signals, check for vehicles or pedestrians in front, behind, and on both sides, and yield to any moving vehicles or pedestrians.

Hazard warning lights are primarily used to indicate that a vehicle is temporarily in a special hazardous state, such as a breakdown, accident, or emergency situation, and should not replace the proper use of turn signals, headlights, low beams, fog lights, or other lights. If a driver fails to use lights as required by the 'Road Traffic Management Penalty Act' Article 42, they may be fined between NT$1,200 and NT$3,600.

Correct timing for using various vehicle lights

1. Turning When approaching an intersection to turn left or right, turn on the turn signal at least 30 meters before the intersection and keep it on until the turn is complete.

2. Reversing After shifting into reverse gear, confirm that the white reverse lights are functioning properly, reverse slowly, and pay attention to vehicles, pedestrians, and blind spots behind.

3. Roadside parking Before pulling over or entering a parking space, turn on the turn signal corresponding to the direction of movement so that following vehicles and other road users can anticipate the movement early.

4. Pulling away from roadside parking Before moving off, turn on the turn signal, check for vehicles or pedestrians in front, behind, and on both sides, and yield to moving vehicles and pedestrians.

5. Lane changing Turn on the turn signal in the intended direction, confirm safety, then change lanes, and keep the signal on until the lane change is complete.

6. Vehicle breakdown Move the vehicle to a location that does not obstruct traffic, turn on hazard warning lights, and place a warning sign. On roads with speeds under 40 km/h, place the sign 5 to 30 meters behind the vehicle; on roads over 40 km/h, place it 30 to 100 meters behind.

7. Sudden or emergency situations In sudden situations, reduce speed or brake according to road conditions. Brake lights will illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. If the vehicle has broken down, been in an accident, or created a road hazard, turn on hazard warning lights as appropriate.

8. Headlight use Turn on headlights when driving at night, through tunnels, reversible lanes, or in heavy fog, rain, snow, dark conditions, or poor visibility. Also follow sign instructions when driving through designated mountainous areas, special routes, culverts, or vehicle underpasses.

9. Low beam use Use low beams when meeting oncoming vehicles at night or when another vehicle is within 100 meters ahead to avoid high beams impairing other drivers’ vision.