gigag04 wrote:For the curious Transportation Code mandates activating a turn signal 100 ft before the intersection.
§ 545.104. Signaling Turns; Use of Turn Signals
(a) An operator shall use the signal authorized by Section 545.106 to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a parked position.
(b) An operator intending to turn a vehicle right or left shall signal continuously for not less than the last 100 feet of movement of the vehicle before the turn.
So even if someone is stopped at intersection and then turns on their blinker to turn when they see me, I still have a good stop on the vehicle.
Be careful. Remember that the law does not require electric turn signals. Hand signals are still legal in Texas. Motorcycles are not even required to have turn signals on them (by state law or for inspection).
I got taught this lesson when i was a young rookie and another officer did not use his signal for the turn (well, I thought not). He said he had used his hand in an upraised position to indicate a right turn and I could not see it since I was sitting slightly to the right of the truck he had been driving. I couldn't prove he was not honest, but I always rememebred to watch for hand signals before I said there was no signal used.