Answer Woman: Is using turn signals the law? Can you be ticketed for not using them?

Today’s burning question asks about the legality of not using turn signals and what happens to those who do not use them. Have other questions for our staff? Email Executive Editor Karen Chávez at KChavez@citizentimes.com and your question could appear in an upcoming column.

Question: Perhaps someone could contact the police department and sheriff’s department and inquire as to whether using your turn signal is a law, and if so, why couldn’t some deputies and officers stop those who aren’t using their turn signals and ticket them. The county and city could use the money. Once the word got out, I’m guessing folks would start using their signals. It’s dangerous out there.

Answer: Dear reader, to answer your question, I first turned to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and then the Hendersonville Police Department, as you suggested.

Captain Johnny Duncan Jr., a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said I should ask the North Carolina Highway Patrol since that agency primarily works with traffic law enforcement. The Hendersonville Police Department did not respond by press time.

I gave Sgt. Christopher Knox with North Carolina State Highway Patrol a call. He said there are in fact laws requiring the use of turn signals in North Carolina. Specifically, this law can be found in North Carolina General Statute 20-154.

The statute says that “the driver of any vehicle upon a highway or public vehicular area before starting, stopping or turning from a direct line shall first see that such movement can be made in safety.” To make this movement, drivers are required to “give a signal” that is “plainly visible” to other drivers.

As to whether a ticket can be given for failing to use turn signals, Knox said it is possible to get a ticket, but it’s not common.

“In my experience, it was a good opportunity to educate people about it,” Knox said. “The majority of the time I gave a warning or a written warning if it didn’t cause any type of collision, just as a reminder of the law.”

When a ticket is given, there are different levels and fines associated with the ticket, according to the statute.

If a driver fails to use a turn signal and causes another driver to change lanes or leave the road, a fine of $200 is given. When property damage or personal injury is caused, the driver who failed to use a turn signal will be fined $500.

Drivers who do not use turn signals and cause a crash that results in property damage of more than $5,000 or “serious bodily injury” will be fined $750. Judges in these cases can also suspend licenses for up to 30 days.

The statute said that signals can be given in a variety of ways, the most common and obvious being the turn signal. Hand signals can also be used.

When using hand signals, these guidelines should be followed:

• To signal a left turn: Place the hand and arm horizontal, with the forefinger pointing.
• To signal a right turn: Place the upper arm horizonal, with the forearm and hand pointing up.
• To signal a stop: Place the upper arm horizonal, with the forearm and hand pointing down.

All signals should be given on the left side of the vehicle and last for at least 100 feet prior to stopping or making a turn. If the vehicle is traveling more than 45 miles per hour, the signal should be given 200 feet before turning or stopping.

Karrigan Monk is the reporter for Black Mountain News and Hendersonville Times-News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her atkmonk@blackmountainnews.com.