When to turn on your signal lights

You must always use your direction indicators (signalling device) to tell other road users what you intend to do. They cannot know your intentions unless you tell them by giving early and adequate signals.

It's also important to remember that giving a signal does not mean that other road users must give way to you or that you can automatically change direction without taking care and giving way. In every case, you must give sufficient warning of your intention to alter direction to allow other drivers, motorcycle riders, bicycle riders and pedestrians to act on your signal. In the case of leaving a stationary position at the side of the road, you must signal for at least five seconds to allow sufficient warning to be given to other road users, especially bicycle riders.

You must signal your intention with your direction indicators to:

• Move to the left or right
• Turn left or right. This includes leaving the continuing road at a modified T-intersection when you intend to go straight ahead
• Change from one lane to another or diverging
• Pull into or out from a kerb or side of the road
• Make a U-turn or 3-point turn
• Leave a roundabout (if practicable)
• Turn left or right when driving within a car park. This includes turning left or right to move into a car park space.