Are Arizona Drivers Forgetting How to Use Turn Signals?

When I first moved to Arizona, it was obvious that drivers actually knew how to use their turn signals. People signaled for lane changes, turns, merges, and pretty much every move they planned to make while driving. It was a simple courtesy that made traffic feel a little more predictable and a lot less stressful.

Man singing loudly while driving a car.

Boy, did I take that for granted.

Fast forward a few years, and things are really different. There are a lot more people transplanted here from other states, and somewhere along the way, turn signals apparently became optional for some drivers.

Are we all expected to be “Psychic Drivers” now? We’re just supposed to know when the car next to us plans to dart across three lanes and suddenly turn into a shopping center?

READ: Arizona Ranked #1 for Worst Drivers in the Nation

red Psychic LED signage

Arizona Law Requires Turn Signals

It’s hard to know if this is just a lack of common courtesy or straight-up laziness. The frustrating part is that using a turn signal is not just a suggestion.

Arizona law specifically requires drivers to signal when turning or moving right or left on a roadway if other traffic may be affected by the movement. ARS § 28-754 states that a turn signal must be given continuously for at least the last 100 feet before a turn.

A couple of police cars parked in a parking lot

So why aren’t people doing this?

The law also requires drivers to signal before stopping or suddenly slowing down when there is an opportunity to warn drivers behind them.

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Can You Get A Ticket For Not Signaling?

All this made me wonder: can a driver be cited for failing to use a turn signal when it’s warranted?

The answer is: Yes. Failure to use a turn signal can result in a civil traffic citation because it is considered a moving violation under Arizona traffic laws, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

man in black suit standing on stage

Drivers could receive a civil traffic ticket and may be required to pay a fine, attend a defensive driving school, or appear in traffic court, where they can contest the ticket or citation. Exact fines vary by court jurisdiction throughout Arizona.

Keep Reading: Why Do Arizona Drivers Back into Parking Spots?

a person driving a car

Courtesy Seems To Be Going Out Of Style

I feel like that person—the complaining lady, the fuddy-duddy who belabors this point—but it matters. This is a safety issue, and call me strange, but communicating your intentions while operating a multi-ton machine is worth the tiny bit of effort it takes to hit the lever on your steering wheel.