In which situations is it mandatory to use turn signals?

Using turn signals is essential for maintaining safety and clear communication on the road. This is particularly true when turning, changing lanes, or merging into traffic. These actions significantly impact other drivers, as they can affect traffic flow and safety. By signaling your intentions, you alert other road users to your next move, allowing them to respond appropriately, which helps prevent accidents.

When making a U-turn, while it may be advisable to signal, it is the standard practice during regular turns or lane changes that is considered mandatory across most driving regulations. Parallel parking does not typically require signals since it is often treated as a stationary maneuver rather than a movement across lanes of traffic or a turn. Stopping for a stop sign is also a separate action that doesn't require a turn signal. Therefore, the emphasis on signaling during turning, lane changing, and merging helps form a foundation of safe driving behavior.