Motor Expo 2026

Watch the clip! Consequences of not using turn signals

Signaling while driving is something modern drivers often forget. Do you know! A major cause of frequent accidents is not using turn signals when driving, such as exiting a parking space, parking, making a U-turn, or turning. Most drivers often neglect to turn on their signals early enough for other cars to see them. They just drive out or park whenever they feel like it, without considering those driving behind them. If a car is speeding, it can lead to multiple accidents. Unfortunately, it can even be fatal. "Turn signals" cost only a few baht per light. Use them when necessary, it's definitely not wasteful! Importantly, it's a standard feature that every car must have. Whether a car is cheap or a luxury vehicle worth tens of millions, they all come with turn signals from the factory. And for road safety, let's look at some basic principles: When driving out of a parking space, parking on the roadside, making a U-turn, or asking for the right of way, what should we do? .. 

Driving out of a parking space

(1.) Check the rearview mirror. When it is safe and does not obstruct other vehicles' traffic, then move out of the parking space.

(2.) The driver must signal with hands and arms (for motorcycles) or turn on the right indicator light.

** Signaling according to points (1.) and (2.) must be given at a distance of not less than 30 meters before turning, and must be visible to other drivers at a distance of not less than 60 meters

Image source Hand signals when on a trip

Hand and arm signals for motorcycle riders

- Right turn The driver extends their right arm straight out, parallel to the shoulder.

- Left turn The driver extends their right arm straight out of the vehicle, parallel to the shoulder, and bends their hand upwards, waving it to the left several times.

• Left Turn

(1) In cases where traffic lanes are not divided, the driver must keep to the left side of the road.
(2) In cases where traffic lanes are divided and there are traffic signs allowing a left turn, the driver must use the lane designated for left-turning vehicles, at least 30 meters before the turn.
(3) In cases where a bus lane is on the leftmost side of the road, the driver must keep close to the bus lane at least 30 meters before the turn and may only turn through the bus lane in areas where traffic signs permit it.

• Right Turn

(1) For roads without divided lanes, the driver must keep to the right, near the center line of the road, at least 30 meters before the turn.
(2) For roads with two or more divided lanes in the same direction, the driver must keep to the far right lane or the lane with traffic signs indicating a right turn is permitted, at least 30 meters before the turn.
(3) In cases where a bus lane is on the rightmost side of the road, the driver must keep close to the bus lane at least 30 meters before the turn and may only turn through the bus lane in areas where traffic signs permit it.
(4) For roads where a traffic police officer or authorized officer is giving hand and arm signals, the driver may turn right without having to go around the traffic police officer or authorized officer.
(5) When approaching an intersection and wanting to turn right, first check the rearview mirror to observe the direction and actions of vehicles approaching from behind. Once it is safe, signal a right turn and drive into the left-of-center lane of the intersection or follow the traffic lines made at the intersection. Be careful to allow space for vehicles passing on the left when stopping.

(6) When turning right at an intersection with a traffic island, you must turn right and stop at the corner of the island, then wait until the island is clear before completing the turn.

See how to adjust mirrors---> Click here

• Turning around a roundabout or constructed island

Drivers must go around the left side of the roundabout or island. In this case, the driver must exercise caution and stop to yield to pedestrians crossing or vehicles passing through an intersection from other directions first, unless there are vehicles turning left and right simultaneously, in which case the left-turning vehicle must yield to the right-turning vehicle first.

● Turn signals must be given at least 30 meters before turning and must be visible to other drivers at a distance of not less than 60 meters. 

• Prohibited! U-turns

(1) Turning or making a U-turn on roads with 'no turn', 'no left turn', or 'no U-turn' signs.
(2) Making a U-turn in safety zones, congested areas, on bridges, or within 100 meters from the flat approach of a bridge.
(3) Making a U-turn at intersections, unless there are traffic signs permitting U-turns in such areas.

See? It's simple, everyone can do it, right? 

Related article Visual display system for "blind spots" when changing lanes, one of the essential functions for new car models

Compiled from trafficpolice