Dear Editor,
My question is….ARE TURN SIGNALS OPTIONAL IN FLORIDA?!
Florida Drivers fail to use the turn signal that is located on their steering column in their automobile.
Is there a class that Florida Drivers can take to refresh their memory on the use and purpose of the TURN SIGNAL?
I am annoyed at the amount of LAZY DRIVERS who do not use their turn signal while changing lanes, turning, or pulling into a parking space!
I am NOT a clairvoyant and CANNOT KNOW if you are changing lanes down US-98 or I-4. I cannot tell if you are wanting to turn down any streets if your turn signal is not used! I do not know that you are turning intl a parking spot in the parking lot!
I am calling on ALL LAKELAND, POLK COUNTY AND STATE OFFICERS to start ticketing those refusing to use their turn signals.
https://www.dmvflorida.org/florida-traffic-laws/turning/
The Florida DMV states: “Use your turn signal for at least 100 feet before you make your turn. This alerts other drivers that you intend to turn.”
The 2022 Florida Statutes
Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES
Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL
316.155 When signal required.—
(1) No person may turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a highway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety, and then only after giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided, in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.
(2) A signal of intention to turn right or left must be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning, except that such a signal by hand or arm need not be given continuously by a bicyclist if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle.
(3) No person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear, when there is opportunity to give such signal.
(4) The signals provided for in s. 316.156 shall be used to indicate an intention to turn, to overtake, or to pass a vehicle and may not, except as provided in s. 316.2397, be flashed on one side only on a parked or disabled vehicle or flashed as a courtesy or “do pass” signal to operators of other vehicles approaching from the rear.
(5) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.
START ENFORCING THE MOVING VIOLATION WHEN NOT USING THE TURN SIGNAL!
Make Florida Drive Safe Again!
Thank you!
Travis Miller
Lakeland Florida
