How far should you signal before turning?

Signaling before turning is essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers and ensuring overall safety on the road. The standard requirement is to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn. This distance provides adequate time for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to understand your anticipated maneuver and adjust their actions accordingly.

The 100-foot guideline balances the need for visibility with the practicalities of urban and suburban driving. It’s generally sufficient for most situations, allowing other roadway users enough time to react without being overly premature, which could confuse surrounding traffic. In more rural areas or higher speeds, it may be even more appropriate to signal earlier to ensure safety.

In contrast, shorter distances may not provide enough warning, potentially leading to miscommunication with other drivers about your intentions. Signaling too late can increase the risk of accidents as other drivers may not have enough time to respond to your actions. Hence, the 100-foot requirement aligns well with safe driving practices in Texas and is a crucial aspect of road safety.