Hand signals and police direction

By the end of this topic you can

• You can give the three standard hand signals for left turn, right turn, and slow or stop.
• You can recognize hand signals given by other drivers and cyclists.
• You can decide when a hand signal is useful and when lights are required.
• You can follow directions from an officer or flagger even when they conflict with a signal.

What you need to know and understand

• Hand signals are given with the left arm out of the driver's window.
• Left turn: arm held straight out to the side.
• Right turn: arm bent at the elbow with the hand pointing up.
• Slow down or stop: arm bent at the elbow with the hand pointing down.
• California says to use hand signals when your signal lights are not working or bright sunlight makes them hard to see.
• Oregon allows hand signals only in daylight when you can see 1,000 feet; use signal lights at night or in poor visibility. Varies by state.
• Directions from a police officer or flagger override traffic lights, signs and markings.

The three driver signals

Give the signal well before you act, at about the same point you would use your turn signal, then bring your arm back in and keep both hands ready to steer through the turn.

• Left turn or move left: extend your left arm straight out to the side.
• Right turn or move right: bend your left arm up at the elbow, hand pointing to the sky.
• Slow down or stop: bend your left arm down at the elbow, hand pointing to the ground.

Reading cyclists

Cyclists often use the same left-arm signals. Some states, including California, also let cyclists signal a right turn by holding the right arm straight out to the right. Treat any cyclist's arm signal as a warning that they are about to move, and give them space.

When an officer or flagger is in charge

At crashes, events, power cuts and road work, an officer or flagger may stand in the road directing traffic. Their signals come first, even if the light is green or red. A raised palm facing you means stop. A beckoning wave means come forward. Watch closely, make eye contact if you can, and move slowly when waved through.

Flaggers in work zones usually use a STOP/SLOW paddle as well as hand signals. If you are unsure what an officer wants, stop and wait for a clearer signal rather than guessing.

1. Slow down as soon as you see someone directing traffic.
2. Watch their hands and face for a clear instruction.
3. Stop if signaled to stop, at a point where you do not block the scene.
4. Move only when you are clearly directed to, and drive slowly past.

Common mistakes

• Mixing up the right-turn and stop signals. Right is hand up; stop or slow is hand down.
• Signaling too late. Give the signal before you start slowing or turning.
• Steering with one hand through the turn. Bring your arm back in first.
• Ignoring an officer because the light is green. The officer's direction wins.
• Relying on hand signals at night. Use your lights whenever they work and in poor visibility.

Test yourself: Hand signals and police direction

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Driving Hand Signals in the US