§ 19-45. Starting, stopping or turning signals—Generally.

(a)

The driver of a vehicle upon a street, 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 plainly visible to the driver of such other vehicle of the intention to make such movement. The signal indicating the driver's intention to stop or turn shall be maintained or given continuously for the last one hundred (100) feet traveled prior to stopping or making a turn.

(b)

The signal required by subsection (a) of this section shall be given by means of the hand and arm in the manner specified in section 19-46 or by any mechanical or electrical signal device approved by the state department of motor vehicles, 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 such department, and any motor vehicle in use on a street shall be equipped with and the required signal shall be given by such 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 vehicle exceeds twenty-four (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 fourteen (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. Also, the required signal shall be given by such a device if the motor vehicle has a right-hand drive or is equipped with the steering mechanism on the right-hand side thereof.

(Code 1967, § 26-91)

State law reference

Similar provisions, G.S. § 20-154.