ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Trooper Steve was asked by a viewer named Lisa, “Are turn signals required in Florida? I see them not being used all the time -- and never being enforced.”
Trooper Steve started by saying that the answer to first part is plain and simple.
“You are required to use your turn signal anytime you are changing direction in your vehicle,” he said. “Florida Statue 316.155 talks very specifically about when you are supposed to indicate a turn or change of lane.”
It states, in part, “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.”
“It also goes on to say that no person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided before,” Trooper Steve said. “I know we see it all the time, but the whole stopping real fast and turning your vehicle -- none of us know what you’re about to do, unless you indicate your decision.”
There are so exceptions for turn signals. All vehicles on the roadway are required to use them.
“As to why this isn’t enforced, I would answer this with a question: How often do you see someone actually being pulled over for any violation?” Trooper Steve said. “Then I would ask: Are you calling that law enforcement officer to ask them why they conducted that traffic stop? I’m not trying to be sarcastic. Traffic stops are conducted all day every day in Florida, but the chances of us actually seeing them are very slim.”
If you have a question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.
For more Ask Trooper Steve content, click or tap here.
[WATCH PREVIOUS Ask Trooper Steve SEGMENT IN VIDEO PLAYER BELOW]