Driver hand signals
When and how to signal by hand: left or right turn and braking (left-hand and right-hand drive).
3 min read
Steering wheel position
Select your vehicle's steering side to see the corresponding hand gestures
Left turn and U-turn
Given before turning left or making a U-turn when turn indicators are absent or malfunctioning.
Right turn
Given before turning right or changing lanes to the right.
Braking (Stopping)
Given before braking or stopping to alert drivers behind.
Key rules and requirements
- The signal must be given well before the maneuver and stopped immediately before executing it.
- Cyclists and moped drivers are also required to give these hand signals.
- Giving a signal does not grant right of way and does not relieve the driver from taking safety precautions.
Left turn and U-turn
For LHD: the driver extends the left arm straight out of the left window. For RHD: the driver extends the right arm out of the right window, bent upwards at a right angle at the elbow.
- Warns of a left turn, U-turn, or changing to the left lane
- The signal stops immediately before the maneuver so the driver can hold the steering wheel with both hands
Right turn
For LHD: the driver extends the left arm out of the left window, bent upwards at a right angle at the elbow. For RHD: the driver extends the right arm straight out of the right window.
- Warns of a right turn or changing to the right lane
- Also applies when pulling over to the roadside or curb
Braking and stopping
The braking and stopping signal is given by raising the arm straight up (left arm for LHD, right arm for RHD). This warns traffic behind of deceleration or an upcoming stop.
- The signal is given before beginning to brake
- Crucial in emergencies or if brake lights are malfunctioning
Remember
- ✓ Hand signals are given when direction indicators are missing or broken
- ✓ The signal is given before maneuvering and ceases immediately before commencing the maneuver
- ✓ Giving a hand signal confers no priority and does not exempt from ensuring safety
Common mistakes
- ✗ Keeping the arm out while maneuvering instead of holding the steering wheel with both hands
- ✗ Confusing the right turn signal with the braking signal (elbow bent up = turn, straight up = stop/brake)