When do you use the direction indicators and why can you be fined 200 euros for putting them on?

The Observatory for Behavior on Highways, showing that 74% of vehicles do not indicate the overtaking signal with their flashing lights, and very few use it when changing lanes.
We can use the indicators more than 200,000 times throughout the life of a vehicle, although it is common to see how many drivers do not use them regularly.

The DGT reminds us that before starting a manoeuvre, we must check through the mirrors that we can do it safely. Then we must
activate the flashing lights inform other road users about what we are going to do.

When overtaking, we not only have to indicate in advance that we are going to overtake, but we also have to keep the indicator activated until we get back into the lane.

One of the major doubts arises with regard to the use of direction indicators at roundabouts, where in addition
many accidents happen of traffic. The DGT clearly indicates that it is not necessary to indicate that we are going to join one of them or that we are going to continue running. However, it is essential to use the flashing light to warn that we are about to change lanes or exit the roundabout.

With regard to traffic jams, it is not advisable to use the four direction indicators (traffic lights) when approaching a traffic jam. If we suddenly brake, we can warn by repeatedly using the brake lights. In situations like this «the driver must warn by means of optical signals of any maneuver that entails»
a side shift or at the back of his vehicle, as well as the purpose of immobilizing or significantly slowing it down’. The fine can also be up to 200 euros.

On the other hand, the correct way to indicate that we are going to park is with the indicator on the side where we are going to leave the vehicle. One of the scenarios in which most drivers
uses the turn signals incorrectly it is when they stop a double row, a maneuver that in itself should not be performed. According to the Traffic Regulations, the stop must never be longer than 2 minutes and the driver must never leave the vehicle. In addition to meeting these requirements, we can only stop if the vehicle does not obstruct traffic or endanger the road safety of other users.

In this case the emergency lighting
may only be used in exceptional casesso its use is not mandatory during a stop and can even be punished with a fine of 100 euros.

no
warn other drivers of the maneuvers you are going to perform, ie not activating the interval mode if applicable, is classified as a fine in the General Traffic Regulations. An economic penalty of 200 euros will be imposed on users who perform a maneuver without using any optical signal.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.