2006 Code of Virginia § 46.2-849 - How signals given

46.2-849. How signals given.

A. Signals required by 46.2-848 shall be given by means of the hand and armor by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the Superintendent, inthe manner specified in this section. Whenever the signal is given by meansof the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate his intention to start, stop,turn, or partly turn by extending the hand and arm beyond the left side ofthe vehicle in the manner following:

1. For left turn or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in ahorizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder;

2. For right turn or to pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward;

3. For slowing down or stopping, the arm shall be extended downward.

B. Wherever the lawful speed is more than 35 miles per hour, such signalsshall be given continuously for a distance of at least 100 feet, and in allother cases at least 50 feet, before slowing down, stopping, turning, orpartly turning.

C. A person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device,electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped shall signal his intention to stopor turn. Such signals, however, need not be given continuously if both handsare needed in the control or operation of the bicycle, electric personalassistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped.

D. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, a personoperating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electricpower-assisted bicycle, or moped may signal a right turn or pull to the rightby extending the right hand and arm in a horizontal position straight fromand level with the shoulder beyond the right side of the bicycle, electricpersonal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, ormoped, and may signal slowing down or stopping by extending the right armdownward.

(Code 1950, 46-234; 1954, c. 15; 1958, c. 541, 46.1-217; 1981, c. 585;1989, c. 727; 2001, c. 834; 2002, c. 254; 2004, cc. 947, 973.)