These state laws don't only apply to motorists but to motorcyclists, bicyclists, and other road users. When to Use Hand SignalsĮvery state has traffic laws that require you to indicate to other road users what your intentions and actions are while traveling on the road. Learning to do them yourself is just as important as understanding what they mean when others use hand signals on the road. Whether you ride a bicycle or drive a car, remember the hand signals above to keep all road users around you informed of your intentions. Regardless of how you use the road, always travel responsibly. During your driving test, the examiner will ask you to show one or more driver hand signals, so make your practice and understand them. ![]() ![]() Since state laws require the use of hand signals on the road when you have no other means of showing your intentions to road users, you will be tested on them when applying for your driver's license at your local DMV. Keep your hand in this position until you start turning right in the same way, you would leave your right turn signal on while turning.īe cautious as you plan your lane change to the right since there will already be vehicles on your right side that won't see your hand signal. To do this, extend your right arm at a 90-degree angle to your window with your palm facing forward. If you cannot use your vehicle's turn signals to indicate your intentions, you need to use the right turn hand signal. You always need to signal before turning right or changing lanes to the right. Keep your hand in this position until you start turning left in the same way, you would leave your left turn signal on while turning.īe careful not to strike any objects with your arm when extending it out of your car's window, and always be cautious of your surroundings. You can also point your fingers to the left if that comes naturally to you when doing this signal. To turn left or when changing lanes left, extend your left arm out straight out of the window for other motorists to see. Typically, you should use your vehicle's turn signals, however, should something be wrong with your turn indicators, and you need to move left, then you must use your left turn hand signal. You need to alert others that you are changing lanes to the left or turning left before you do so. Using this signal in the absence of your car's brake lights can prevent a rear accident. If you are having trouble with your taillights, the best way to inform other drivers that you are slowing down or coming to a complete stop is to use the slow down or stop hand signal.Įnsure your arm is clearly visible and extend it downwards with your palm facing backward. If your car's brake lights are in working order, they will light up when you press the brake pedal to communicate to other drivers that you are slowing down or stopping. Point your left hand towards the sky with your palm facing forward.Įnsure you always use the proper hand when using hand signals for driving. Right Turn Signal: Indicate you are turning right by extending your left arm out the driver's window with your elbow bent at 90 degrees. Left Turn Signal: Indicate your left turn by extending your left arm straight out the window with your palm facing forward. Slow down or Stop Hand Signal: Indicate you are stopping or slowing down by extending your arm downward with your palm facing backward. There are three basic hand signals for driving to keep yourself and other road users safe. If you need a reminder on what hand signals are necessary for driving, then continue reading. Understanding hand signals for driving could prevent collisions and save your own life and the life of other road users this is why you are required to show the three basic hand signals for your driving test. ![]() Even if you do not use the hand signals yourself, you need to recognize them if another driver, cyclist, skateboarder, etc., uses them. In a library full of useful hand gestures, there are a few hand signals drivers should know and understand to be well-rounded drivers. Maybe you lift your hand to apologize to someone or direct a person with a sweep of your hand to indicate "after you" when you both reach the same entrance. You may not realize it, but we all use hand signals in our daily lives to communicate.
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