As of: February 5, 2024, 9:30 a.m
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You also have to signal if the traffic sign directs cars in one direction.
The road traffic regulations require this for safety reasons.
Mirrors, indicators, looking over your shoulder, turning.
This is how you learn it in driving school.
If you want to turn from one street to another, you indicate this to the person behind you.
However, there are also intersections or junctions where turning is not a choice but an obligation.
Opinions differ as to whether you should use the indicator here too.
The law says: Yes, you have to flash.
Turning is mandatory: you still have to signal for safety reasons
If turning is mandatory, this is usually indicated by a round blue traffic sign with a white arrow pointing in the direction in which you must turn.
This arrow can point left or right or straight ahead.
Drivers here have no choice but to follow the specified direction of travel.
However, they still have to indicate the turning process by flashing.
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As TÜV Nord explains according to
dpa
, this is because other road users may not be able to see the sign.
This applies, for example, to cars that come from a cross street or from across the street and therefore do not know that the car will turn in front of, next to or opposite them.
Without blinking, you might assume that it is going straight, which can lead to accidents.
In addition, the law states in Section 9 of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO): “Anyone who wants to turn must announce this in a timely and clear manner.” Without exception.
The white arrow on a blue background indicates the turning direction - but drivers are still not allowed to do without signaling.
(Symbolic image) © Petra Schneider/Imago
Bending right of way: to flash or not to flash?
A similar confusion often arises when the right of way bends.
Anyone who stays on the priority road must continue to give way to other cars.
But that doesn't mean you don't have to blink.
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Turning when the right of way bends is also a turn.
Accordingly, you have to signal, because according to
the ADAC
, any change in direction in which a road user leaves the same direction of traffic - be it into a cross street, to change lanes or on a bend in the right-of-way - is considered to be leaving the previous lane.
And anyone who leaves the existing lane must inform the road users around them by using their turn signal.
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However, if you continue to drive straight ahead at an intersection or junction with a bend in the right-of-way, i.e. leaving the right-of-way, then you do not have to use a turn signal because you are not changing the direction of travel and are not leaving the road.
When to flash: In these situations you also have to indicate the change of direction
The question of when you have to use the turn signal to indicate a change of direction is easy to answer: always.
As soon as you change lane or direction, other road users must be informed in good time.
This also applies, for example, when changing lanes or overtaking.
You always have to use your turn signal when you leave your current lane.
Without exception.
© Imago
If you want to drive past an obstacle on the road, you must indicate this by flashing.
First you give priority to oncoming traffic because the obstacle is on your side, then you use your turn signal.
If you have driven past the obstacle, you have to use the indicator again to return to the original lane.
The same applies to overtaking maneuvers, for example on the motorway.
Before pulling out, i.e. before leaving the existing lane, you must signal.
After overtaking, you flash again before you cut back in.
The indicator does not have to be on while overtaking.
Blinking – the basics: When and for how long?
There is no general rule for when to start flashing when turning or passing an obstacle.
However, it is important that the turn signal is activated in good time so that those following you and other road users have enough time to prepare for the maneuver.
The turn signal must remain on until the turn is completed.
By the way: You can be punished with a warning fine of ten to 35 euros if you do not signal on time, incorrectly or not at all and thereby endanger others.
If an accident occurs due to incorrect signaling, the driver is partially to blame.