Hand signals

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This article is about Vehicle operator hand and arm signals in traffic. For some military hand signals, see U.S. Army hand and arm signals.

Hand signals are given by cyclists and some motorists to indicate their intentions to other traffic. Under the terms of the Vienna Convention on Traffic, bicycles are considered to be vehicles and cyclists are considered to be drivers. The traffic codes of most countries reflect this.

In some countries (such as in the Czech Republic,[1] Canada, and the United States), hand signals are designated not only for cyclists, but for every vehicle that does not have signal lights or has damaged signal lights. For example, drivers of older cars and mopeds may be required to make hand signals.

Similar to automobile signaling, there are three primary signals: left turn/overtaking, right turn, and stopping/braking.

Left turn[]

The same signals are also used for overtaking to the left in right-hand traffic countries.

Left turn signal
All countries
Extend left arm straight out in the direction of the turn, horizontally.[2]
South Africa
The driver extends his/her right arm with the forearm pointing vertically downwards and moving in a circular anti-clockwise motion. For tractors, animal-drawn vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles, the driver is allowed to extend their left arm horizontally with the palm to the front. If a vehicle is fitted with turn indicators, they may be used instead. [3][4]

Right turn[]

The same signals are also used for overtaking to the right in Left-hand traffic countries.

Right turn hand signal
US and Canada (optional)
Current convention for signaling right, either while cycling in traffic or cycling with other riders, is to extend the right arm perpendicularly to the body; that is, the cyclist's arm is pointing in the same direction of the intended turn.[5] Prior to the common sense approach of extending right arm to indicate a right turn, the convention was for cyclist to extend the left upper-arm out to the left, horizontally and angle one's forearm vertically upward; this practice is no longer in use due to safety concerns. The Uniform Vehicle Code in the US recognizes both signals, although the Code strongly encourages cyclists to use the "arm to the right" technique. State traffic laws generally conform to the Uniform Vehicle Code, but exceptions may exist. British Columbia (Canada) recognizes both.
South Africa and Denmark
The driver extends their right arm horizontally with the palm to the front. If a vehicle is fitted with turn indicators, they may be used instead.[3][4][6]

"Arm to the right" has the advantage that it is more visible to any traffic likely to be affected, for example vehicles in the next lane to the right or also intending to turn right. It is also easier to teach to children: "point in the direction you are going to turn."

Slowing down[]

South Africa, Denmark
Sudden reduction in speed requires the same signal as stopping.[3][4][7] It is also allowed to extend the right arm horizontally with the palm facing down and move the arm upwards and downwards.[3][4]

Overtaking[]

South Africa
A vehicle may signal a vehicle behind them to overtake them by extending the right arm below shoulder level, with the palm facing forwards, and moving the arm forwards and backwards.[3][4]

Stopping/braking[]

US stop signal
UK and Ireland
To indicate that you’re about to slow, extend your right arm fully out to the side, palm-down, and move your hand up and down at the wrist. To indicate coming to a full stop, extend your right arm vertically, with palm facing forward [note that the latter is not a legally recognised signal].[8]
US and Canada
Extend your left arm out to the left, horizontally and angle your forearm vertically downward.
Italy
Extend your right arm vertically, with palm facing forward.
Australia
Extend your right arm vertically, with palm facing forward, or extend your right upper arm out to the right horizontally and make your forearm vertical with your palm facing forward (as depicted in the US right turn signal above).
Denmark
Extend any arm vertically.[9] In practice it is also common to extend any upper arm out horizontally and make your forearm vertical with your palm facing forward (as depicted in the US right turn signal above).
South Africa
Extend the right upper arm out to the right horizontally and make your forearm vertical with your palm facing forward (as depicted in the US right turn signal above).[3][4]

Conflict with brake operation[]

A bicycle's front brake lever is typically installed on the side of the handlebar closest to the center of the road (front-left for right-side driving). In many countries, the hand signal for stopping/braking requires that the cyclist signal with the hand used for the front brake. The front brake is the most effective method of stopping a bike under normal road conditions.[10]

Cyclists, like all other road users, should be ready to make an emergency stop at all times. When approaching a junction a cyclist may wish to "cover the brake" in readiness for an emergency stop. It is not possible to cover both brakes when performing a hand signal and both hands are needed on the handlebars to steady the bicycle under hard braking. Cyclists therefore sometimes have to choose between giving a hand signal and covering the brake.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ The law of the Czech Republic: 361/2000 Sb., § 30
  2. ^ "Denmark: Færdelsloven §32 stk 2". Retsinformation.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Rules of the Road". Arrive Alive. Retrieved Jun 5, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Road traffic regulations Regulations 324 - 328
  5. ^ "La Conducción De Bicicletas" (PDF). Dirección General de Tráfico. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  6. ^ "Denmark: Færdelsloven §32 stk 2". Retsinformation.
  7. ^ "Denmark: Færdelsloven §32 stk 4". Retsinformation.
  8. ^ Quinlan, Ashley. "Essential guide to road cycling hand signals and calls". Road Cycling UK. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  9. ^ "Denmark: Færdelsloven §32 stk 4". Retsinformation.
  10. ^ "Braking and Turning Your Bicycle". www.sheldonbrown.com. Retrieved Jun 5, 2020.
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