Dodge County Sheriff’s Law of the Month Signaling Your Turn
8 July 2018 News
We have had a lot of questions come in lately that involve turning and turn signals. Most of the questions are from frustrated citizens who have experienced other drivers doing things that appear to defy common sense, like turning in front of another car without using a turn signal.
That type of driving behavior is best covered under the following statute;
346.34 – Turning movements and required signals on turning and stopping.
(1)(b) In the event any other traffic may be affected by the movement, no person may turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in s. 346.35. A person making a U-turn shall use the same signal used to indicate a left turn. When given by the operator of a vehicle other than a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device, the signal shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. The operator of a bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device shall give the signal continuously during not less than the last 50 feet traveled before turning. A signal by the hand and arm need not be given continuously if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle or electric personal assistive mobility device.
Bottom line…if other traffic MAY be affected in any way by the movement of a vehicle, a turn signal needs to be used for at least 100 feet. If everyone follows these guidelines we will go a long way towards reaching our goals of reducing fatal crashes in Dodge County.
Violation of this statute results in a citation that totals $175.30 (including court costs) and 3 points against your driving record. Not to mention the added insurance expense that comes along with a citation or a crash.
Looking through the statutes there are a large number of rules that are specific to turning, signaling and vehicle positioning before and after a turn. There is too much information to cover the whole topic in a one page article but below you can find some related statutes and the link to the WI State Legislature website if you are interested in researching the topic further. https://legis.wisconsin.gov/
Statute 346.31 (1-4) covers the required position and method of turning at intersections.
Statute 346.33 (1-2) covers U-turns.
Statute 346.35 (1-3) covers the method of giving signals on turning and stopping.
Thank you and stay safe out there,
Captain Chad Enright
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