How long must a driver signal before turning?

The requirement to signal for at least two seconds before turning is established to ensure that other drivers and pedestrians are adequately informed of your intentions. This timeframe provides sufficient opportunity for those around you to react appropriately, whether that means adjusting their speed, moving out of the way, or preparing for your turn. Signaling for two seconds serves as a clear communication tool to enhance overall road safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents that could occur from sudden movements or unexpected turns.

While other durations like one second, three seconds, or four seconds might seem like they would also be effective, they do not meet the standard timeframe that balances clarity of communication with practicality for drivers. One second may be too brief to be noticed by neighboring vehicles or pedestrians. Conversely, three or four seconds could be unnecessarily long, leading to confusion about your intentions and potentially hindering traffic flow.