346.34 Turning movements and required signals on turning and stopping.

(1) Turning.

(a) No person may:

1. Turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in s. 346.31.

2. Turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway unless the vehicle is in proper position on the roadway as required in s. 346.32.

3. Turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.

(b) In the event any other traffic may be affected by the movement, no person may turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in s. 346.35. A person making a U-turn shall use the same signal used to indicate a left turn. When given by the operator of a vehicle other than a bicycle, electric scooter, or electric personal assistive mobility device, the signal shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. The operator of a bicycle, electric scooter, or electric personal assistive mobility device shall give the signal continuously during not less than the last 50 feet traveled before turning. A signal by the hand and arm need not be given continuously if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle, electric scooter, or electric personal assistive mobility device.

(2) Stopping. No person may stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in s. 346.35 to the operator of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give such signal. This subsection does not apply to the operator of a bicycle approaching an official stop sign or traffic control signal.

History: 1973 c. 182; 1995 a. 138; 2001 a. 90; 2009 a. 97; 2019 a. 11.

When it is impossible to signal for the last 100 feet before turning, the 100 feet requirement does not apply. Betchkal v. Willis, 127 Wis. 2d 177, 378 N.W.2d 684 (1985).

Sub. (1) (b) states that a driver must use a turn signal in “the event that any other traffic may be affected." The defendant did not violate this statute when he made a left turn without using his signal when there was no oncoming or following traffic or pedestrians present when he turned. State v. Anagnos, 2011 WI App 118, 337 Wis. 2d 57, 805 N.W.2d 722, 10-1812.