Drivers who don’t use their indicators correctly could end up being slapped with a £5,000 fine and nine points on their licence.
This could include failing to indicate altogether, or forgetting to switch your indicator off after you’ve manoeuvred.
Indicators allow other road users to know when you plan on turning, so that they can slow down if they’re behind you.
It also lets drivers at roundabouts know when you’re taking an exit.
There isn’t a specific offence that details when your indicators should and shouldn’t be used.
However, failing to use them can be classed as careless and inconsiderate driving - so if you cause an accident, a court could argue that you were driving without due care and attention.
In many cases, driving without due care and attention will result in a fixed-penalty notice (FPN) which usually means three points on your driving licence and a £100 fine.
But if the offence is more serious - for example, if you have endangered other drivers or pedestrians, or caused an accident - you will automatically be summoned to court.
The maximum penalty here is nine points on your licence and a £5,000 fine. You may be disqualified from driving altogether.
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Mark Royal, operations manager at Goodbye Car, said: “Knowing when (and when not) to indicate is a skill of its own, given there are no black and white rules.
“But it’s incredibly important to learn when they should be used for the safety of yourself and other motorists.”
The Highway Code gives the following guidance on when you should be using your indicators:
1. Signal before manoeuvre
Whenever you want to make a manoeuvre, check your mirrors to make sure it’s safe to so do then signal your intentions to fellow drivers before moving.
2. Signal at the right time
Don't signal too early. If you know you’re turning right at the main junction up ahead, but begin signalling when another right turn is available before then, other drivers may think you're making the earlier right turn.
3. Cancel your indicators after use
Remembering to cancel your indicator is just as important as signalling at the right time.
If you keep signalling after you’ve made your move, other drivers may be anticipating you to take another turn or change lanes again.
4. Signal manually
Though waving out of your car window may seem like a last resort, it’s perfectly legal to reinforce the signal your indicators are making by using the appropriate arm movements.
5. If in doubt, signal
Indicators should be used to signal any move that isn’t moving straight ahead on the road.
This includes changing lanes, turning a corner, taking an exit, turning off a roundabout, and pulling over to the side of the road.
It is always safer to signal than risk causing an accident.
