Use of turn signals — Hawaii Permit Test

A turn signal does not give you the right to make the movement; you alone are responsible for making it safely without interfering with others.

A driver who changes lanes just because the signal is on can steer right into a car that never saw it.

The use of a signal does not give you the right to make the intended movement.

If you must slow down before a turn or lane change, begin signaling before you slow, so others know you may reduce speed.

A car that slows with no signal surprises the driver behind, who may not brake in time.

If you must slow your vehicle before you can make the intended turn or lane change, it is important that you begin signaling before slowing your vehicle.

When stopped at an intersection waiting to turn, signal while you wait; holding the signal until the light changes is a common error.

Drivers behind you line up to go straight and are stuck when you turn without warning.

Failure to signal an intended turn when stopped at an intersection until the traffic signal changes.

Signal even when you are in a lane that requires you to turn; failing to signal there is a common error.

A driver who drifted into a turn-only lane by mistake may assume you are going straight.

Failure to signal when in a lane that requires that you turn.

Once your turn signal is on, what right does it give you?

None; you must still move safely. A driver who changes lanes just because the signal is on can steer right into a car that never saw it. State of Hawaii Driver’s Manual, p.74: “The use of a signal does not give you the right to make the intended movement.”