At what distance should you signal before making a turn?

When preparing to make a turn, signaling at least 100 feet in advance is important for safe driving practices. This distance allows ample time for other drivers and pedestrians to observe your intention to turn, which enhances overall road safety. Signaling ahead helps prevent confusion and reduces the likelihood of accidents by clearly indicating your plans to those around you. This standard is widely accepted, as it provides a balance between giving enough warning while still being reasonable given typical driving speeds.

Choosing to signal at 50 feet might not give other drivers enough time to react, especially in situations where traffic is moving at higher speeds. Signaling too late, such as immediately as you begin the turn, does not allow other road users to anticipate your movements properly. Similarly, signaling 200 feet in advance may be excessive in many urban driving situations where this distance could obstruct other traffic patterns or mislead drivers if the turn is not executed in a timely manner. Thus, signaling at least 100 feet before a turn is the generally recommended practice to ensure safety and clarity on the road.