3.2 Turns, Signaling & Lanes

Making turns, changing lanes, and communicating your intentions are fundamental skills for any driver. Failing to signal or turning from the wrong lane frequently leads to collisions. This section breaks down the proper procedures for signaling, executing various types of turns, and navigating specialized intersections like roundabouts.

Turn Signals and Communication

Your vehicle’s turn signals are the primary way you communicate with other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Florida law requires you to signal your intention to turn, change lanes, or pull away from a curb at least 100 feet before making the maneuver.

• Use signals consistently: Always use your turn signals, even when you think no one else is around. Habitual signaling is a hallmark of a safe driver.
• Cancel your signal: After completing your turn or lane change, ensure your signal turns off. Driving for miles with a blinking signal confuses other drivers and can cause accidents.

Hand Signals

If your vehicle's electronic turn signals or brake lights fail, you must use standard hand signals to communicate. Bicyclists also rely heavily on these hand signals. All hand signals are given using the left arm extended out the driver's side window:

1. Left Turn: Left arm fully extended straight out.
2. Right Turn: Left arm extended out and bent upward at the elbow (forming an L shape).
3. Slow Down or Stop: Left arm extended out and bent downward at the elbow.

Proper Lane Choice for Turns

Positioning your vehicle in the correct lane before an intersection is crucial.

• Right Turns: Move into the rightmost lane well in advance. As you begin the turn, stay as close to the right curb or edge of the roadway as possible. Complete the turn in the rightmost lane of the intersecting road.
• Left Turns: Move into the leftmost legal lane (or the designated left-turn lane) before the intersection. Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead while waiting to turn (if struck from behind, you won't be pushed into oncoming traffic). Complete the turn into the leftmost lane heading in your direction.
• Multiple Turn Lanes: Some large intersections have multiple left or right turn lanes. If you are in a dual turn lane, you must stay in your corresponding lane throughout the turn to avoid sideswiping a vehicle turning alongside you.

The Three-Point Turn

A three-point turn is a maneuver used to turn your vehicle around in a tight space where a standard U-turn is impossible. It is a mandatory skill tested during the Florida driving skills exam.

How to execute a three-point turn:

1. Move as far to the right side of the road as possible and stop. Check your mirrors and over your left shoulder for traffic.
2. Turn your steering wheel sharply to the left, move forward slowly across the road, and stop near the opposite curb.
3. Shift into reverse, turn your steering wheel sharply to the right, check for traffic again, and back up slowly toward the original side of the road.
4. Shift into drive, turn your steering wheel to the left, and proceed forward in the opposite direction.

Restrictions: Never attempt a three-point turn or a U-turn on a curve, near the crest of a hill, on an interstate highway, or anywhere your vehicle cannot be seen by oncoming drivers from at least 500 feet away.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are circular intersections designed to improve traffic flow and reduce the severity of collisions. Traffic travels counterclockwise around a central island.

Rules for navigating a roundabout:

• Approach: Slow down as you approach. Observe lane control signs and choose your lane based on your intended exit (e.g., right lane to turn right or go straight, left lane to go straight or turn left).
• Yielding: You must yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout. They have the right-of-way.
• Entering: Enter only when there is a safe gap in traffic. Do not stop once you are inside the roundabout.
• Circulating: Stay in your lane. Never change lanes while driving inside a multi-lane roundabout.
• Exiting: Use your right turn signal just before you reach your desired exit to inform other drivers of your intention to leave the roundabout.

U-Turns

U-turns are permitted only when they can be made safely and without interfering with other traffic. You must yield to all approaching traffic.

You cannot make a U-turn:

• Where a "No U-Turn" sign is posted.
• At a railroad crossing.
• On a divided highway where there is no designated opening in the median.
• At locations where visibility is limited (curves, hills) resulting in less than 500 feet of clear view.