The fact that other motorists are bad at using turn signals can lead to both annoying and dangerous situations in traffic.
Flashing so late that other drivers barely have time to perceive it before turning may seem as bad as not flashing at all, but what does the law say about this procedure?
The motor site Carup has straightened out what applies.
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That’s how late you can blink
In the traffic regulation, it only says that you must use blinkers, and not doing so is thus breaking the traffic rules. This is punishable by a fine of SEK 500.
However, no distance for when you have to start flashing is specified, and deciding which distance is appropriate thus falls to the driver.
It also means that it is not illegal to start flashing too late.
– No, it is not against the law to blink late. Not even if you start blinking the moment you turn. You see that it is better to blink late than never, say the traffic police Anders Schääf to Carup.
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Then it is important to blink in good time
Although it is not illegal to start flashing too late, according to Anders Schääf, you should not start flashing as late as possible.
– There is no exact time or distance set. But you should start using your indicators well in advance, so that there is no doubt about what to do.
The traffic police also points to a scenario where it is particularly important to use turn signals, and that is when changing lanes.
According to Anders Schääf, it is also important to always use the blinkers in good time, even at times when you cannot see other cars, as this favors interaction in traffic.
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