Hand signals

Motion used to indicate intention in traffic Hand signals are agreed gestures that people make with their hands or body to communicate in a non-verbal way. When used in traffic, hand signals are often used to convey driver's intention of their next movement. In some countries, hand signals can apply to any vehicle whose signal lights are missing or damaged. Hand signals are commonly used and applies to cyclists and motorists. Hand signals are commonly used to signal a left turn, right turn, overtaking, slowing or stopping. Left turn Left turn signal All countries To signal a left turn, the driver horizontally extends their left arm outward. South Africa The driver extends their right arm with the forearm pointing vertically downwards and moving in a circular anti-clockwise motion. Drivers of tractors, animal-drawn vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles may also extend their left arm horizontally with the palm facing forwards. Signal lights or turn indicators may be used in place of hand signals if installed. Right turn Right turn hand signal US and Canada There are two methods for signaling a right turn. The first, more commonly known signal is to extend the left upper arm out to the le