How far must a driver signal before making a turn or lane change?

The requirement to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn or lane change is crucial for ensuring that other drivers on the road are adequately warned of your intentions. This distance allows sufficient time for nearby vehicles and cyclists to anticipate your movement, helping to prevent accidents. Signaling is not just a courtesy; it is an essential part of safe driving practices that enhances communication between drivers.

This 100-foot guideline is also in line with many state traffic laws that dictate appropriate signaling distances, ensuring consistency and safety across various driving scenarios. Whether driving in urban areas, on highways, or during adverse conditions, using the proper signaling distance helps maintain the flow of traffic and promotes overall road safety.

Choosing a distance that is too short may not give other drivers enough time to react, while a vague guideline like signaling "as far as the driver feels necessary" lacks the clarity that is needed for safe driving practices.