More than a quarter of road users signal turns incorrectly or not at all

The Austrian motoring association ÖAMTC found that more than a quarter of road users signal incorrectly or fail to signal when turning, ORF reported. The association observed more than 6,200 turning manoeuvres across Austria in summer 2026.

The study included cyclists for the first time. Only 45 percent of about 300 cyclists gave the correct hand signal when turning. “A hand signal on a bike means taking one hand off the handlebars, often just when you are braking or swerving. That can be uncomfortable, but other road users need to be able to see where you are going,” said ÖAMTC traffic expert David Nosé.

Drivers correctly signalled 75 percent of the time. The fine for signalling incorrectly or not at all can reach 726 euros, though fines of 55 to 75 euros are expected in practice.

Signals and hand gestures were used most reliably at intersections without traffic lights, with a compliance rate of 90 percent. At intersections where a priority road turns, the rate was just 56 percent. Nosé said road traffic regulations clearly require every turn to be signalled in good time, and the findings suggest many people may not know the rule.

At roundabouts, nearly one in three exits was not signalled, although clear signals are important. Signalling when entering a roundabout is not permitted.