By Michael Picarella pic@theacorn.com

The question: Is there a law that says motorists must use their turn signals when in a turn-only lane?

The answer: Yes.

"The only time that you wouldn’t (use a signal) is if you’re in a designated lane that turns automatically, such as a protected right turn lane that has a median where you don’t have to stop," said Lost Hills Sheriff’s Sgt. Bob Brooks. "But if you’re in a left turn lane with a left arrow, you have to have your signal on."

Not using your turn signal before turning your vehicle is considered a hazardous violation.

"Number 22107 of the vehicle code says that no vehicle shall direct course and move either right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with regional safety and only after giving an appropriate signal," Brooks said.

Motorists who turn without using turn signals, according to Brooks, cause many area accidents. Brooks added that he personally looks for signal violators.

"Failure to signal is actually one of the most hazardous failures people can do," Brooks said. "It’s definitely a big problem."

Motorists, Brooks said, will often make left turns into shopping centers without signaling and they’ll either be rear-ended or hit from the side by an oncoming vehicle.

"Unfortunately, (turn signal violations) are hard to enforce because we have to be right behind them," Brooks said.

The consequence of noncompliance: The penalty for a turn signal violation varies depending on the motorist’s driving record.

"The actual violation doesn’t cost that much, but then they add court fees and all those types of costs," Brooks said. "I think anything now is almost a minimum of $100."

Have a traffic-related question or concern? Send it to "Ask Mr. Traffic" in care of 30423 Canwood St., Ste. 108, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 or e-mail it to pic@ theacorn.com. We’ll try to answer it as soon as possible.