Are Turn Signal Controls on the Left or Right?

Both: cars have turn-signal lamps on the left and right sides, and the control stalk is usually on the left in left-hand-drive markets (like the U.S. and most of Europe) but often on the right in several right-hand-drive markets (notably Japan and many Commonwealth countries), with exceptions by brand and model. This article explains what “left or right” can mean—lamp placement versus control location—and how to quickly find and use the indicator controls in any vehicle.

What “left or right” can mean

People ask this question for two different reasons. One is about the physical lamps on a vehicle—those are always on both the left and right sides, front and rear, and often on the mirrors or fenders as side repeaters. The other is about the control you operate to signal a turn—typically a stalk on one side of the steering column, but its placement varies by country and manufacturer.

Where the control stalk is, by region and brand

The following list outlines the usual placement of the turn-signal stalk around the world and the common exceptions you might encounter.

• North America (mostly left-hand-drive): Turn-signal stalk is almost always on the left side of the steering column; windshield wiper controls are commonly on the right or integrated.
• Continental Europe (mostly left-hand-drive): Generally the same as North America—the indicator stalk is on the left.
• Japan (right-hand-drive): Turn-signal stalk is typically on the right; domestic brands (e.g., Toyota, Honda, Nissan) commonly follow this convention in Japan.
• UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa (right-hand-drive): Mixed. Many Japanese-brand models put the stalk on the right, while several European brands (e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen) keep it on the left across both LHD and RHD versions to standardize parts.
• China and most of the Middle East (mostly left-hand-drive): Predominantly left-side stalks, in line with LHD norms.
• Exceptions and legacy cases: Some older British cars have right-side stalks; certain commercial vehicles may differ. Always check the specific model.

While regional patterns are strong, the ultimate determinant is the manufacturer’s design choice for a given model. If you switch between brands or drive in RHD markets, expect variation.

How to identify the turn-signal control in an unfamiliar vehicle

When you get into a car you don’t know—especially abroad—the quickest approach is to look for icons and confirm with the dashboard indicators.

1. Scan behind the steering wheel for one or two stalks; look for the left/right arrow icons on their end or base.
2. Gently nudge the stalk up or down while parked: up usually signals right, down signals left; confirm by watching the green arrow indicators flash on the instrument cluster.
3. If no stalk is obvious, check for wheel-mounted buttons or column switches; in some vehicles, wiper and signal functions swap sides, causing common mix-ups.
4. On motorcycles and most scooters, the turn-signal switch is on the left handlebar (left for left, right for right, often press to cancel or return to center).
5. To signal a hazard/stop, press the red triangle hazard button; this flashes all indicators simultaneously.

A quick visual check plus the instrument-panel arrows will confirm you’ve found the right control, regardless of which side the manufacturer chose.

Turn-signal lamps: Always on both left and right

Regardless of control placement, every road-legal vehicle uses directional indicators on both sides so other road users can see your intent from the front, rear, and often the side.

• Front and rear indicators on the left and right corners illuminate according to the direction selected.
• Side repeaters on fenders or mirrors are common in Europe and many other markets for added visibility.
• Color rules vary: in Europe and most regions, turn signals must be amber; in North America, front signals are amber while rear signals may be amber or red depending on the model.

These lights work together to communicate your intended direction to traffic around you and are legally required to be operational.

Special cases and practical tips

Some situations and vehicle types can complicate expectations, especially when traveling or switching between brands.

• Rentals in right-hand-drive countries: Muscle memory may make you hit the wipers instead of the indicators; take a moment before moving off to locate the stalk.
• Heavy trucks and buses: Controls are generally consistent with regional norms but can be integrated into multi-function column modules—check icons.
• Classic cars: Older British and European models may have right-side stalks or even “trafficator” arms; learn the specifics before driving.
• Bicycles and micromobility: Riders use hand signals where required by law; some e-bikes and scooters add aftermarket indicator kits, which should be used alongside proper hand signaling if mandated.

Familiarity with local norms and a quick cockpit check can prevent confusion and keep you predictable to others on the road.

Summary

Turn-signal lights exist on both the left and right sides of every vehicle, but the control stalk’s location depends on market and manufacturer. It’s almost always on the left in left-hand-drive regions (U.S., most of Europe) and commonly on the right in several right-hand-drive markets (Japan and many Commonwealth countries), with notable brand-specific exceptions. When in doubt, look for the arrow icons, test the stalk gently, and confirm via the dashboard indicators before you set off.