Drivers across Australia are being reminded of the importance of using their indicators correctly, with authorities enforcing strict penalties on those who fail to signal before making a left turn. Motorists who neglect this basic road rule can now face a fine of $392 and the loss of demerit points in several states, underscoring the seriousness of this offence.
Why the Law Exists
Indicating before turning or changing lanes is one of the most fundamental aspects of road safety. The rule ensures other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians are aware of a motorist’s intentions. A small oversight, such as forgetting to put on the indicator before turning left, can quickly create confusion and cause collisions at intersections or busy roads.
Road safety experts stress that turn signals are not just a technicality but a measure designed to prevent accidents and save lives. Failure to comply with this rule puts others at risk, particularly vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians who rely heavily on clear signals to anticipate vehicle movements.
The Penalty Explained
In many states, including New South Wales and Queensland, the fine for not indicating properly before turning left is set at $392. Offenders may also incur two demerit points. This puts the infraction in the same category as other driving offences such as low-level speeding and mobile phone misuse.
While drivers may sometimes argue that a left-hand turn feels “obvious” and doesn’t require a signal—especially when no other vehicles are around—authorities argue otherwise. The law applies at all times, whether or not another road user is visible. Police and Transport Departments maintain that the consistency of signalling helps build safe driving habits across the board.
Common Situations of Non-Compliance
| Common Non-Compliance Situations | Description | Road Rule Breach | Notes on Safety Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exiting a roundabout without signalling | Failing to indicate when leaving a roundabout | Breach of road rules | Can cause collisions, confusing other road users |
| Leaving a main road to enter a side street | Not indicating when leaving a main road to turn into a side street | Breach of road rules | Can lead to crashes, especially in urban areas |
| Turning into a service station, driveway, or car park | Not giving a signal before turning into these access points | Breach of road rules | Sudden unindicated turns increase collision risk |
| Merging left at intersections without warning | Failing to indicate before merging left | Breach of road rules | Lack of warning can cause side collisions |
A Nationwide Push on Signal Discipline
Australian states and territories are stepping up enforcement on signalling offences as part of a broader road safety agenda. Police are being urged to monitor intersections, roundabouts, and congested urban zones more closely, ensuring that drivers are held accountable for these routine but essential practices.
Transport for NSW has emphasised that the indicator fine is not about revenue raising but about encouraging safer behaviour on the roads. Road safety campaigns have also highlighted that using indicators is one of the simplest actions a driver can take to avoid accidents.
Community Reactions
The fine has sparked discussions among road users, with some motorists calling the penalty heavy-handed for what they see as a small lapse. Others argue that the cost is justified, given the potential consequences of failing to signal.
Cyclist organisations, in particular, have welcomed the strict enforcement, noting that unclear signals are one of the leading causes of near-misses between vehicles and bikes. Pedestrian advocacy groups echoed this position, stressing that predictability in driver behaviour is critical for safety at crossings and shared road environments.
Final Reminder for Drivers
Authorities are urging motorists to take road rules seriously, reminding them that fines and demerit points add up, and careless driving habits could result in licence suspension. More importantly, proper use of indicators can prevent serious crashes and save lives.
The message is simple: before making a left turn—no matter how minor—drivers must always signal. A few seconds of action could mean the difference between a smooth journey and a costly, dangerous mistake.
