(a) The driver of any vehicle upon a highway or public vehicular area before starting, stopping or turning from a direct line shall first see that such movement can be made in safety and if any pedestrian may be affected by such movement shall give a clearly audible signal by sounding the horn and whenever the operation of any other vehicle may be affected by such movement shall give a signal as required in this section, plainly visible to the driver of such other vehicle, of the intention to make such movement. The driver of a vehicle shall not back the vehicle unless such movement can be made with safety and without interfering with other traffic.
(b) The signal required in subsection (a) of this section shall be given by means of the hand and arm in the manner specified as follows or by any mechanical or electrical signal device approved by the traffic engineer, except that when a vehicle is so constructed or loaded as to prevent the hand and arm signal from being visible, both to the front and rear, the signal shall be given by a device of a type which has been approved by the traffic engineer:
(1) Whenever the signal is given the driver shall indicate his intention to start, stop or turn by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle as follows:
a. Left turn: hand and arm horizontal, forefinger pointing.
b. Right turn: hand and arm pointed upward.
c. Stop: hand and arm pointed downward.
(2) All hand and arm signals shall be given from the left side of the vehicle and all signals shall be maintained or given continuously for the last 100 feet traveled prior to stopping or making a turn. In all areas where the speed limit is 45 miles per hour or higher and the operator intends to turn from a direct line of travel, a signal of intention to turn from a direct line of travel shall be given continuously during the last 200 feet traveled before turning.
(3) Any motor vehicle in use on a highway shall be equipped with and the required signal shall be given by a signal lamp or mechanical signal device when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the left outside limit of the body, cab or load of such motor vehicle exceeds 24 inches or when the distance from the center of the top of the steering post to the rear limit of the body or load thereof exceeds 14 feet. The latter measurement shall apply to any single vehicle, also to any combination of vehicles, except combinations operated by farmers in hauling farm products.
(c) No person shall operate a righthand-drive motor vehicle or a motor vehicle equipped with the steering mechanism on the righthand side thereof unless the motor vehicle is equipped with mechanical or electrical signal devices by which the signals for left turns and right turns may be given. Such mechanical or electrical devices shall be approved by the traffic engineer.
(d) A violation of this section shall not constitute negligence per se.
(e) Violation of this section shall be an infraction and shall be punishable as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-4.
(Code 1965, § 28-38; Ord. No. 4910, § 2, 11-9-21)
State law reference(s)—Similar provisions, G.S. 20-154.