Asked 4/23/2016 – Boerne, TX

The two way road had one lane on each side. One heading east, the other west. I had had dropped my cellphone on the passenger’s floor so I quickly got over to the unimproved should, while using my right blinker at least one time, and stopped. A cop pulled in behind me and cited me for failing to use a turning signal (or at least use one within 100 ft.) before changing lanes. I don’t think I broke the law here… Since the law doesn’t require using a blinker when parking… Nor does it require me to use one within 100 ft. of changing lanes. Am I missing something?

Answer

Texas Transportation Code Section 545.104 (a) An operator shall use the signal…to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parked position. (b) A operator intending to turn a vehicle right or left shall signal continuously for not less than 100 feet of movement of the vehicle before the turn.

Find a local attorney to keep this citation from becoming a conviction on your record.