Do You Need to Signal on a Curve with No Fork? Court Ruling Reveals 'Violation Results in 6,000 NT Dollar Fine' — Many Drivers Still Unclear

Drivers dread unexpected traffic fines. Recently, a netizen shared that their family witnessed a driver being pulled over and fined for not using a turn signal while turning on a curve with no岔路. The post went viral, sparking heated online debate. When is signaling not required? What should drivers do if they receive a disputed ticket? Below is a comprehensive overview based on the latest regulations from Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation.

Do You Need to Signal on a Curve with No岔路? Online Debate Erupts

A user posted on Mobile01, stating their family saw a driver being followed by police and issued a fine for not signaling while turning on a curve with no岔路. They asked, "I'd like to ask the community: is this fine justified? Is there legal basis for appeal? Since both police and informants act according to law, if this penalty is correct, then we'll have to signal nonstop on mountain roads. That's terrifying!"

The post triggered numerous responses: "I checked the Road Traffic Safety Rules—wow, police really can issue such tickets. I just learned this. Now 'ticket-hunting' drivers could tail vehicles on mountain roads and report endlessly." "In theory, if there's only one path, signaling shouldn't be needed unless overtaking. If the law requires signaling, we must comply." "The rules mention 'changing direction' but don't clarify whether this applies only at intersections or also on single curved roads—it's ambiguous." "I remember during the driving test, we only signaled when entering and exiting S-curves, not during the curve itself. Not sure if I'm mistaken." "The purpose of signaling is to 'inform following vehicles of your intentions' in advance. It's good habit—I always signal, regardless of whether there's a car behind." "This ticket is highly questionable. I'd appeal." "On mountain roads, would we have to signal left-right-left-right the entire way? If I got fined, I'd appeal—there's no岔路, only one path. What am I signaling? That I'm turning left? But can I even turn right? This is absurd." "No岔路 means no need to signal. But I still signal to warn following vehicles about the upcoming curve." "I do signal—it reminds me of my vehicle's movement and helps following drivers who might not see the road ahead. It's a form of guidance."

Motorcyclist Fined 1,200 NT Dollars on a Natural Curve—Court Ruling Released

A similar past case involved a Mr. Li from Taoyuan, who was riding his motorcycle on a right-turn ramp in Sanchong District, New Taipei City. He followed the natural curve without signaling and was reported via video by a following vehicle. The Traffic Adjudication Office fined him 1,200 NT dollars. He argued he was merely 'following the lane' and not turning into another road, so he filed an administrative lawsuit.

The court ruled to cancel the disputed fine. The judge stated the vehicle's trajectory was a natural 'curved movement'—Mr. Li remained entirely within the same right-turn lane, simply following the road's shape without deviating from the original path. Legally, this did not constitute a 'turning' action. The judge used an analogy: if we accept the argument that 'you must signal whenever following a curve,' then drivers on winding roads like the Beiyi Highway would have to continuously flash their turn signals the entire way—is that reasonable?

Five Mandatory Situations for Using Turn Signals

Drivers must always use turn signals when performing any of the following 'movement changes':

1. Turning at intersections 2. Making a U-turn 3. Changing lanes 4. Starting from a stop 5. Pulling over to park

Proper Use of Turn Signals

- Advance warning: Vehicles must activate turn signals at least 30 meters before turning or changing lanes to alert following traffic. - Continuous signaling: The turn signal must remain on until the maneuver is fully completed. Even when stopped at a red light waiting to turn, the signal must not be turned off mid-action.

Penalties for Failing to Use Turn Signals

- On general roads: Fine of 1,200 to 3,600 New Taiwan Dollars - On highways and expressways: Heavier fine of 3,000 to 6,000 New Taiwan Dollars

All such violations also result in 1 point added to the driver's traffic violation record.

What to Do If You Receive a Disputed 'No Turn Signal' Ticket? Two-Step Appeal Process

If you face a similar disputed ticket, follow these legal appeal procedures:

Step 1: Check Violation Evidence Online After receiving a ticket, visit the 'Motor Vehicle Supervision Service Network' to review photographic evidence. For citizen-reported cases, request to view the continuous video footage from the authority to confirm whether the vehicle actually crossed lane markings or changed lanes.

Step 2: Prepare Evidence and Submit an Administrative Statement If any of the following conditions apply, prepare dashcam footage or on-site photos and submit an appeal to the adjudication office (first statement is free):

- Natural curved path: The vehicle followed the road's natural curve without merging or changing lanes. - Emergency evasion: Avoiding sudden road hazards (in accordance with the Administrative Penalty Act). - Evidence flaws: Video is too blurry to clearly identify the license plate or violation.

Full discussion: 'Do You Need to Signal on a Single Road with No岔路?'