Turns, lanes, passing and parking
On a city street, how far before you turn should you begin signaling?
- At least 100 feet before the turn. Correct answer
- At least 25 feet before the turn.
- Only once you have started to slow down for the turn.
Why
Your signal is a promise to other road users about what you are going to do, and it only works if they get it early. The handbook sets 100 feet as the minimum before a turn, and asks for a signal before every lane change, at least five seconds before changing lanes on a freeway, before pulling up to or away from the curb, and even when you see no one around, because the vehicle you did not notice is the one that matters. Twenty-five feet is a couple of car lengths, far too late for anyone to react. Waiting until you are already braking defeats the purpose. And once the turn is done, turn the signal off so you do not send a false message.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 6/2025). The correct answer is At least 100 feet before the turn..