Rules in detail: Lanes, signals and indicators

Lane changing

What the rule says. On a public road divided into traffic lanes by road markings, the driver or rider may not turn from one lane into another unless he or she can do so without obstructing or endangering other traffic.

Why it matters. Another road user may be in your blind spot.

In practice. A car is close beside you in the next lane. Wait until you can move over without making it brake or swerve. Using your indicator is compulsory, but it does not give you the right to move over.

Key idea: Change lanes only when it obstructs and endangers no one.

Driving signals

What the rule says. The driver or rider of a vehicle who intends to stop, or to turn to the left or to the right, must in good time give a conspicuous signal of his or her intention. It must be visible to any person approaching from the front, from the rear or from the side, and last long enough to warn any such person.

Why it matters. Others can only react if they have time to see it.

In practice. You plan to turn left at a corner. Signal well before the corner, not at the moment you turn, and keep it going until others have noticed.

Key idea: Signal in good time, clearly, to all sides, long enough.

Direction indicators: when and where

What the rule says. You may not drive a motor vehicle on a public road unless it is equipped on both sides with flasher-type direction indicators. Each time you turn left or right, and when you change lanes on a public road, it is compulsory to use the direction indicators.

Why it matters. Indicators are the standard way to tell others what you will do.

In practice. A car with an indicator working only on one side may not be driven on a public road. When moving to another lane, switch on the indicator first.

Key idea: Flasher indicators on both sides; use them for turns and lane changes.

Indicator lamp requirements

What the rule says. A light motor vehicle must be equipped with direction indicators, and each indicator must have a lamp. When in use the lamp must show an intermittently flashing light that is clearly visible in normal daylight at a distance of 30 metres to a person of normal eyesight.

Why it matters. A signal that cannot be seen is useless.

In practice. On a bright day a lamp that is dull or covered in dirt might not be visible from 30 metres. Keep the lenses clean and working.

Key idea: Flashing light, visible in daylight at 30 metres.

Indicator lamp colours

What the rule says. When in use, indicator lamps must emit white, yellow or amber light to the front, and yellow, amber or red light to the rear.

Why it matters. Standard colours stop signals being confused with other lights. Red is for the rear only, and white is for the front only, while yellow and amber are allowed at both ends.

In practice. A red indicator on the rear of a car is fine, but a red one facing the front is not. White at the front is permitted, but not at the rear.

Key idea: Front: white, yellow or amber. Rear: yellow, amber or red.

Quick recap

• Lane change only if no one is obstructed or endangered
• Signal to stop, or to turn left or right
• Signal in good time, visible from front, rear and side
• Flasher-type indicators on both sides are required
• Indicators are compulsory for turns and lane changes
• Indicator lamp visible in daylight at 30 metres
• Front: white, yellow or amber; rear: yellow, amber or red