“You Have a Grace Period Before Needing to Use Your Turn Signal” — What Missouri Law Actually Says

Many Missouri drivers assume that they only need to use their turn signal a couple seconds before turning, or that they’re allowed a “grace period” to merge or change lanes before signaling. But the reality is this: there is no official grace period in Missouri traffic law.

At Speeding Ticket KC, our Kansas City traffic defense attorneys often hear from clients who received tickets for improper or late signaling. They’re surprised because they thought they had a few seconds of leeway. In truth, failing to signal properly—at the right time and for the right duration—can lead to citations, points, and legal practice trouble.

Let’s break down the actual law and explain why this myth can be costly.

WHAT DOES MISSOURI LAW SAY ABOUT USING TURN SIGNALS?

Under Missouri Revised Statute 304.019, drivers are required to give an appropriate signal before turning, changing lanes, or entering or exiting traffic.

The law states that:

“No person shall turn a vehicle… without giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.”

And here’s the key part:

“A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.”

That means you must signal for at least 100 feet before making a turn, not just flick the blinker on a second before turning the wheel. There is no legal “grace period” for signaling late or not at all.

LANE CHANGES REQUIRE A TURN SIGNAL IN MISSOURI

Missouri law also requires drivers to signal before changing lanes and failure to do so is one of the most common causes of traffic stops and citations. While the 100-foot rule is specific to turns, courts still expect clear, early signaling before any lane movement.

Police officers have wide discretion to stop vehicles they believe aren’t following this rule. That’s why “I turned my blinker on just before moving over” doesn’t hold much weight in traffic court.

COMMON SITUATIONS THAT LEAD TO TRAFFIC SIGNAL TICKETS IN MISSOURI

Drivers often get cited for improper signaling in the following situations:

• Failing to signal before turning at an intersection
• Signaling too late when turning into a parking lot or driveway
• Changing lanes on a highway without signaling
• Entering or exiting traffic without a blinker
• Flicking the blinker on at the last second

Even if you signal, it’s still a violation if the duration or timing is insufficient to warn other drivers. That’s the whole point of the law—giving other road users time to respond safely.

CAN A TURN SIGNAL TICKET ADD POINTS TO YOUR MISSOURI DRIVING RECORD?

Yes. In Missouri, improper lane changes or failure to signal can result in 2 points on your license. That may not sound like much, but combined with other violations, it can lead to:

• License suspension
• Higher insurance premiums
• Driver improvement requirements
• Commercial driving disqualification

If you’ve received a ticket for a turn signal violation, don’t assume it’s no big deal. Let an experienced Missouri traffic defense lawyer near you fight to keep points off your record.

CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY — WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOUR SITUATION

Our team of Kansas City traffic defense lawyers can:

• Evaluate your citation for possible procedural errors
• Represent you in court and negotiate for a reduction or dismissal
• Help you avoid points, fines, and insurance hikes
• Clarify your legal rights and ensure you’re treated fairly

Whether your ticket happened on I-70, I-435, or a neighborhood street in Kansas City, we’re ready to help.

CONSULT A AFFORDABLE KANSAS CITY TRAFFIC DEFENSE LAWYER TODAY

You’ve found the right firm. At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced Missouri defense attorneys near you know the real law, not the myths and how to use them to protect your record and your wallet.

Call Speeding Ticket KC today for fast, reliable help from a seasoned Missouri traffic defense attorney who can keep a simple signal issue from becoming a long-term headache.