Back to: Blinkers
Blinkers are an essential part of any vehicle, often overlooked until they become crucial to traffic safety. What they are for, when they are used and whether we can do without them, find out below.
What are turn signals and when are they used?
Turn signals, also known as direction indicators, play a major role in your communication with other road users. They are a classic way of signaling the driver's intentions and movements, and the key situations in which they are used are:
• Turning: Turn signals are used during all types of turns, whether it is a lane change or a turn at an intersection. In order for others to know your intention and react accordingly, you must turn on your turn signals in the direction you are turning.
• Passing: When passing other vehicles, you must turn on your turn signals to signal your intention. This helps maintain a safe distance between vehicles and prevents misunderstandings.
• Changing lanes: Turn signals are crucial when changing lanes. If you intend to move from one lane to another, you should signal your intention in advance, thus allowing others to react in time.
• Parking: When you intend to park your vehicle, turning on your turn signals indicates to others your intention to occupy a parking space or move out of the way.
• Stop warning: Turn signals are also used when you intend to stop. This way you signal the drivers behind you to prepare accordingly.
Am I allowed to drive with malfunctioning blinkers?
Many drivers may not realize the seriousness of driving with malfunctioning blinkers, but this behavior can pose a serious risk. Here are some key pieces of information about the legality and safety of driving with faulty blinkers:
• Legal regulations: In most countries, driving with faulty blinkers is against the law. You are responsible for maintaining the correctness of all lights on the vehicle, including the turn signals.
• Safety of road users: Faulty turn signals can lead to misunderstandings and dangers on the roads. Other road users will not be able to correctly interpret your intentions, which increases the risk of traffic incidents.
• Technical inspections: With defective blinkers, you will not be able to pass the technical inspection, and thus neither the registration.
• Maintenance and replacement: Drivers are responsible for the maintenance of all lights on the vehicle. If they notice that the blinkers are not working, it is advisable to have them repaired or replaced immediately.