You’ve probably seen this situation play out a lot: You’re driving and see a car in front of you with its turn signal on, so you leave enough space for them to move… but they never do.
- You should only use your indicators when necessary.
- Failure to turn off your turn signal if you do not intend to change direction can result in a fine.
- Fines apply in all Australian jurisdictions and some apply demerit points.
Trucks may be the most likely culprit, since it’s hard to hear turn signals in the cab of a large tractor-trailer, but all drivers are likely to make this mistake at some point while driving.
But did you know that you can get a ticket for forgetting to turn off your turn signals? And no, you can’t blame the car for not resetting the wipers – it’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure they have control of all exterior lights.
Lights and turn signals are important ways for other road users to assess your intentions, and there are strict regulations regarding the misuse of lights and turn signals – whether accidental or intentional – that you should be aware of.
Regulations 46(4) and 48(4) of the Australian Road Rules state: “A driver must cease signalling immediately after completing the change of direction.”
Here’s a rundown of the price you could pay if you don’t stop designating.
New South Wales
You can be fined $227 and lose two points in NSW for failing to cancel your turn signal.
The fines apply to “Failure to signal left after changing direction” and “Failure to signal right after changing direction”.
Queensland
QLD’s wording around this rule is slightly different, but the intent is the same – you can be fined for forgetting or deliberately failing to cancel your turn signal: “Failure to cancel or improperly operate signal” ($96 fine, two demerit points).
Victoria
Like most other states, there are no demerits for failing to cancel a turn signal in Victoria, but there is a fine of at least $198 for “Failure to cancel or improper use of a turn signal” if the police officer is in a bad mood.
South Australia
South Australia has a very strict view on signalling laws, with the heaviest fines in the country for falsely signalling while intending to travel on state roads.
You could be facing two demerit points and a $346 fine (including a $99 victim of crime fine). Here are some of the laws you could be breaking if you don’t turn off your turn signal:
- Failure to cancel left turn signal – $356 fine, two demerit points
- Failure to cancel right turn signal – $356 fine, two demerit points
- Misuse of direction indicator – $356 fine, two demerit points
ACT
Like most jurisdictions, the ACT does not impose a demerit point penalty for failing to turn off your turn signal. Instead, you can be fined $219 and face two demerit points for “failing to stop to signal left/right after changing direction”.
Tasmania
You can be fined in Tasmania for using your turn signal when you have not actually changed lanes or completed any movement as directed:
- Failure to turn off left turn signal when completing change of direction ($146 fine)
- Failure to turn off right turn signal when completing change of direction ($146 fine)
- Using turn signals without permission ($95 fine)
Western Australia
According to the WA Road Traffic Code 2000, “A driver must not leave a signalling device on his vehicle in operation after completing the turn for which it was put into operation”.
You will be charged a fine of one unit or $50.
Northern Territory
Section 12 of the Traffic Violations Schedule states that you will be fined, but your license will not be affected, if you fail to cancel your turn signal. “Failure to cancel signal – $40 fine.”
Not intended as legal advice. Please check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
