PARIS – Be warned: Forgetting to use that lever on the side of your steering column – or your left hand and arm – could cost you a bundle.

Chief Deputy Dane Tripp of the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office said deputies have been instructed to give a written warning or a ticket with a $137 fine to any driver who does not offer a directional turning signal when making a turn.

Tripp said the decision is due to the increased traffic and congestion in areas such as Norway and Paris, where failure to use a signal may cause a serious accident.

“We’ve had near-misses,” Tripp said. “I think it’s a violation that is kind of ignored.”

State law requires that drivers in traffic either use the turn signals installed on their vehicles or offer a hand signal when making a turn. The signal has to be given for at least 100 feet before the turn is taken. The same holds true for stopping in traffic; an electric or hand signal is required.

According to Tripp, $137 is the maximum fine that can be levied under the state’s motor vehicle law. He said there would be no gradation in the fines, which go to the state’s general fund.

Fines may be appealed before a judge.

The county’s policy went into effect last Thursday. Tripp said he was unaware of any fines or warnings being issued since then.