How long to signal? California’s §22108 says your signal must be continuous for the last 100 feet before a turn. Courts read §22107 and §22108 together: there’s a violation only if another vehicle could be affected—but if there is, failing to signal (or not signaling long enough) is citable. See People v. Carmona (2011) and People v. Holiman (2022).
What this means on LA roads: In real life, there’s almost always someone around you—so skipping the blinker is usually illegal. Even a nearby patrol car counts as a vehicle that “may be affected,” per People v. Logsdon.
State guidance: The California DMV tells drivers plainly: signal before you change lanes, check mirrors, and look over your shoulder. Do the full safety routine every time.
No working blinkers? You can use proper hand/arm signals (left arm straight for left, up for right, down to slow/stop) under §22111—then get those lights fixed ASAP.
Bottom line (cheerful edition 🚗✨)
Flip that blinker and own the lane change! In LA traffic, signaling isn’t just courteous—it’s (almost always) the law, and it keeps everyone rolling smoothly.