At what distance must you signal before changing lanes?

Signaling before changing lanes is a crucial aspect of safe driving practices, particularly for commercial drivers who operate larger vehicles. The requirement to signal at least 100 feet before making a lane change is designed to provide sufficient notice to other drivers on the road. This distance allows other road users to anticipate your maneuver, which is especially important given that larger vehicles may require more time and space to execute lane changes safely.

Using a signal well in advance helps to ensure that other drivers can react appropriately, reducing the risk of collisions. It also aligns with broader traffic laws and safety regulations, reinforcing the principle of maintaining clear communication on the road. Proper signaling is essential for the safety of all road users, which is why this specific distance is set as a standard.