Should you indicate when moving back into a left hand motorway lane?

"isitme"

Ian is fairly accurate with his explanation.

The IAM and the police driving manual, Roadcraft, do not advocate signalling when moving back in after an overtake because the rule in the UK is keep left, other motorists should know you're going to move back in. Roadcraft actually goes further than that, if you watch a police car on the motorway, it generally won't signal to pull out for an overtake either. The theory behind that one is that other motorists know you're going to pull out, otherwise you'd hit the car you're about to overtake.

Unfortunately, a lot of drivers see it as bad driving due to their own inability to read the road ahead.

EDIT: You make a good point in your edit. The idea is to be a defensive driver, if you are you will never be in a position to be 'undertaken' or wouldn't be about to move in if there was a posibilty.

Remember, if you drive to the letter of the rules and the law, you will never have an accident that's your fault.

Robin B

Institute of Advance Motorists are incorrect here. You should always indicate as someone faster than you in the inside lane may not realise what you are about to do until it's too late.

knownout

I think it would not be necessary if nobody ever under-passed you, which is illegal .. But many do , arrogant sods , so it is wise to signal so the cars behind know what you are doing ..

The Tank

As a general rule and for courtesy and safety's sake you should always indicate when crossing any white line (lane changing) regardless of what direction you are crossing it in.

The biggest mistake some people make when pulling back into the laft lane of a motorway is that they pull back in too soon. I have been "cut up" far too many times by people who overtake and then come back in front without leaving enough space - making me have to hit the brakes.

Ian

To understand the theory behind the IAM advice you need to establish in your mind that on a UK motorway the left hand lane is for driving in, and the middle and outer lanes are for overtaking in.
I know this works fine if the motorway is deserted or has three or four cars on it!
Nevertheless, if you pull out to overtake a car in the left hand lane how can something be 'racing up on your inside' before you move back in after you have overtaken?
If you overtake on a 'normal' one lane road you would indicate right to pull out, but you wouldn't indicate left to pull back onto your side of the road after you had passed the car would you?
The same principal applies to motorway driving.
Having said all that, better safe than sorry, how many people move over to the left after overtaking on motorways? I would keep an eye out in all directions and indicate by habit, then you never forget!

Chris A

yes on a motorway you have to indicate whenever changing lane whether from left to right or right to left, middle etc and make sure you check your mirrors before so u know if its clear and look out (esepcailly if going into the fast lane for cars that myt b going at some speed) and if theres any let them pass before you change lane

LillyB

Are you sure you just didn't misunderstand. You should never change lanes without indicating regardless of which way you are going. I suppose moving left its up to you to make sure you are well away from traffic anyway, leaving plenty of space before cutting back in, but I can't see why you would not still indicate.

boglin

You should always indicate your intention to change direction,on a motorway all lanes are the same speed so it is possible that a car may be on the inside lane travelling faster than you.As for (confusing flashing lights) anyone who can't tell an indicator from a side or brake light should not be driving

WelshLad

"but I think it's something to do with all those flashing lights being confusing to traffic behind."

That doesn't sound right at all.

Empeedee

"Ian" and "isitme" are correct. As normal driving position in the UK is on the left that is where you should move back to after overtaking, therefore it is expected that you move back to the left, usually without a signal however make full use of your mirrors before making the manoeuvre as there maybe be someone who would benefit from a signal - remember signals are intended to help and inform other motorists not in place of proper observation.

kittcarson49@yahoo.com

look the procedure for changing lanes is as follows. mirror/indicate/maneuver.that applies even if you live on the moon.i am not going to key in any thing else.accept this rule as gospel.,,,kitt

J G

Yes, you certainly should.
I've never heard of anyone recommending not doing so.

Scouse

Yes. Every time lanes are changed you should signal first

Cheeky Monkey

I never do, and I have certainly never heard it recommended.

When I see someone doing it, I always think it's because they are unsure how far they really are in front of the vehicle they have overtaken.

It's a thing I would associate with old ladies or girls in their twenties, to be honest. Artic trucks do it, but they need all the help they can get.

kevin

I am a driving instructor @ top grade and a signal Means you are comming, not that you want to come. So before you indicate use mirrors (all clear?) then act on what you see. If no-one is going to benefit from it then no need to signal. Its the same as stopping and starting. You get brownie points on a test if you dont use a signal when you dont need it. BUT @ rounderbouts and junctions ALWAYS apply a signal. i hate middle lane drivers and people who just signal then move, as if the indicator gives them the right of way.

cabmufc

Kevin,I am sorry to disagree with you as you seem to be the expert,but surely having the good manners and habit of indicating whenever you do a manouvere when driving is a good practice to carry out whether there is one or one hundred cars on the road.Personally anyone who doesnt bother to indicate(PARTICULARILY WHEN TURNING LEFT AT ROUNDABOUTS WHEN YOU ARE WAITING TO COME ON TO THE ROUNDABOUT!!!) have a blatant disregard for other roadusers and it is only common courtesy to let others know what your next move or action is.

cabmufc

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