say there's a policeman eating a donut in the parking lot. there are no cars anywhere on the road except for me. do I still have to use my blinker? is he gonna drop his donut and involve me in a high speed chase?
2007-01-01 16:10:43 · 37 answers · asked by ~blessss♫☼ ♪♥ ☼ ♠♫ ♣☺☻ 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
hey man I'm not a driver yet, gimme a break! hehe
I would like to thank the good cops out there who risk their lives everyday, and for being able to take a joke... heh heh (nervous laugh)
feel free to razz me back =)
2007-01-02 09:03:22 · update #1
Yes is it illegal. If the police officer wants to give you a ticket for not using the blinker he can.
The laws are the laws. They are not something you can just toss out the window because no one is around.
Besides, just because you don't see anyone doesn't mean they are not there. Ever hear of the "blind spot"? Plenty of accidents have occurred because of just that problem. Also, it isn't just cars you need to worry about, there are motorcycles,bicycles, and pedestrians... they are a lot harder to notice.
2007-01-01 16:16:30 · answer #1 · answered by Calina 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
In VA it is required to signal ALL lane changes and turns, except where required in manatory lane turns. However it is still a nice thing to do. The reason is most accidents are because the driver did not see the other car next to them and changed lanes into a lane without right of way.
Will a cop ticket you? no, they have more urgent things to do then show up in court and explain to a Judge why they pulled you over for not signalling a lane change (unless you cut someone off or endangered the public). Everytime they write a ticket they have to plan on appearing in court to support that ticket.
Hence a term the cops hate - "selective enforcement of the law"
which they pretend does not happen.
2007-01-01 16:23:36 · answer #2 · answered by Carl P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer may depend on the laws of your state. You have asked several questions in your question.
To my understanding, yes, you must use your blinker when making a turn. I would offer these rationales:
1) it is hard to know, for sure, that no one is on the road. It requires great situational awareness. The purpose of blinkers is partially to indicate your intentions to other cars, including ones of which you may not be aware.
2) when making a turn, it is more important to concentrate on the turn than to check to see if you must turn on your blinker.
3) habits habits habits.
As a practical matter, it is hard to imagine an officer engaging you in a high speed chase over this offence. It is also possible that if the officer has observed other suspicious behavior, breaking the blinker law could provide a legal basis to stop you.
In short, I would suggest being familiar with your local laws, and adhering diligently to them.
2007-01-01 16:18:44 · answer #3 · answered by Carl M 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is illegal and No, he will definately NOT drop that donut and chase you down. But should he see you later that night while he is out and he is having a slow night, he just might make you a "random" stop to check your license, insurance and other information.
Even if you are good with your driving record and have up to date insurance, the "random" stop might make you 30 minutes late for a hot date or getting to work on time.
Use the blinker as stupid as it might sound. Make sure you come to a complete stop too. Safety is no accident !
2007-01-01 16:19:23 · answer #4 · answered by k3sam 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your question is, is it illegal to not use your blinker.....Of course it is illegal to not use it even though no one else is around.
Will an officer give you a high speed chase over that only? Highly doubtful. Many law enforcement agencies have minimal requirements for them to have a "high speed" chase. And by high speed I am talking spees around a hundred or so. I have not heard of anywhere that would allow a high speed chase on the sole fact of not using a turn indicator.
2007-01-02 00:01:20 · answer #5 · answered by deftonehead778 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOOOL! Hilarious question! Unfortunately, it IS technically illegal although you'll find many people not using them when there's hardly anyone on the road. The cop's not going to drop his donut and chase you. He'll finish it first, lick his fingers and maaaaaaaaaaaaaybe pull you over with a warning if it's at the end of the month.
2007-01-01 16:22:28 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is illegal. Plus the fact a Police car may be watching you and you don't see it. Also, if a Police Car is en route to check out something and had no lights on for instance, at least they would know what your intention is. Just because nobody is watching should not cause you to break the law. Stay in a habit of doing things right.
2007-01-02 08:32:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can never be absolutely sure that nobody's around, so use your dint-da (blinker). There could be cars without lights on, people. Just the other day a baby was found playing on a highway. Might as well be safe. It's an easy habit.
BTW, put it on before turning. I see so many people who put it on as they are turning. It doesn't help much if you're already turning. You have to indicate, then make the action. It's a two-step process.
2007-01-01 16:15:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Using your blinker when making a turn should just be an automatic response. Yes, it would be illegal. A cop is not going to "involve" you in a high speed chase unless you speed off.
2007-01-01 16:27:29 · answer #9 · answered by mocha5isfree 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If a tree falls in the forest and nobody is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Yes, use your blinker. If there is someone there that you failed to notice, you could cause an accident by not following laws. Also, doing things like that should be something you are used to. You shouldnt have to see if anyone is around to go by laws.
2007-01-01 16:16:14 · answer #10 · answered by meghanhappy 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋