Turned Signal While Changing Lanes But Still Fined NT$3,000! Court Ruling Reveals Correct Procedure – Many Drivers Get It Wrong Even After Years on the Road, Especially on Highways

How long should a driver keep their turn signal on when changing lanes? A man driving on Provincial Highway 76 westbound changed lanes, but his turn signal extinguished prematurely. A following vehicle recorded the incident and reported it, leading the Changhua Motor Vehicles Office to issue a fine of NT$3,000. The driver contested the penalty in administrative court, arguing that the signal turned off automatically as soon as he straightened the steering wheel. However, the court ultimately ruled against him, stating he failed to 'continuously use' the turn signal.

Driver Fined NT$3,000 for Turning Off Signal After Only 3 Blinks During Lane Change — Court Judgment Reveals Truth

According to the court ruling, while changing lanes at kilometer marker 18.5 on the westbound side of Provincial Highway 76, the driver’s turn signal blinked only three times before turning off. Although approximately three-quarters of the vehicle had already entered the new lane, a rear driver captured the footage and filed a report. Police issued a citation based on this evidence, and the Changhua Motor Vehicles Office imposed a fine of NT$3,000 under Article 33, Paragraph 1, Clause 4 of the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act.

In his lawsuit, the driver argued that the turn signal turned off because he had steered fully into the new lane and “straightened the wheel,” causing the turn signal lever to automatically reset and extinguish. However, the appellate judge pointed out two key points:

1. Legal Definition of 'Completed Lane Change': Citing an official interpretation from the Ministry of Transportation, a lane change is only considered complete when the entire vehicle has fully entered the new lane and no part of the vehicle crosses the lane markings.

2. Driver's Duty to Manually Reactivate: While automatic cancellation due to steering wheel return is a mechanical feature, the law requires drivers to 'continuously use' turn signals. If the signal turns off prematurely but the vehicle hasn’t fully entered the new lane, the driver must manually reactivate it until the maneuver is fully completed—to ensure surrounding vehicles can anticipate the movement and avoid potential hazards.

How Long Should You Keep Your Turn Signal On? Ministry of Transportation Clarifies Standards Under the Road Traffic Safety Regulations

According to Article 109 of the Road Traffic Safety Regulations, drivers must follow these guidelines when using turn signals, particularly requiring 'continuous flashing' during lane changes. 'Continuous' means from the moment the vehicle begins in the original lane, throughout the transition, until the lane change is fully completed:

· Before Starting: Display turn signal in advance. · Turning or Changing Lanes: Indicate left or right turn signal beforehand; when changing lanes, display the signal for the intended direction and keep it on until the turn or lane change is fully completed. · Overtaking: When passing a vehicle ahead in the same lane, first display the left turn signal, maintain a safe distance of at least half a meter, then after safely passing, display the right turn signal before returning to the original lane.

Penalties for Failure to Use Turn Signals Properly

Failing to 'continuously' use turn signals during lane changes or turns results in penalties depending on the road type:

Violation Location | Applicable Regulation | Fine Amount General Roads | Road Traffic Management Penalty Act, Article 42 | NT$1,200 – NT$3,600 Highway / Expressway | Road Traffic Management Penalty Act, Article 33 | NT$3,000 – NT$6,000

Q1: The front of my car has already entered the new lane—do I need to manually reactivate the turn signal if it turned off automatically? A: Yes. As long as any part of the vehicle remains in the original lane or crosses lane markings, the lane change is not complete. If the signal turns off due to mechanical settings, the driver must manually reactivate it until the entire vehicle is fully in the new lane.

Q2: Is there a difference in fines between highways and general roads for failing to continuously use turn signals? A: Yes. On general roads, fines range from NT$1,200 to NT$3,600; on highways or expressways, the penalty is heavier, ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$6,000.

Source: Judgment System, Road Traffic Safety Regulations