UK: Should you signal when changing lanes?

You should always turn your indicator on before you change lanes in the United Kingdom, according to The Highway Code.

Copyright: Dwayne Hards.

You should always signal your intentions when changing lanes to avoid confusing other road users. Doing this will make you a safer driver.

When drivers don't signal when changing lanes, they are at a greater risk of causing a collision. This is because failing to signal when changing lanes is likely to confuse other drivers, making bad drivers' habit unsafe.

Drivers should check their mirrors before signalling when changing lanes. This is to make sure there are no cars obstructing the driver who wishes to change lanes.

If you don't signal when changing lanes and a police officer sees this, they are likely to pull your vehicle over and tell you to indicate.