How to Turn Off Car Blinkers

To turn off car blinkers, straighten the steering wheel after completing a turn and the turn-signal stalk should cancel automatically; if it doesn’t, gently move the stalk back to its middle (neutral) position. If your hazard lights are flashing, press the hazard button (usually a red triangle) once to switch them off. Here’s what to know about how different systems behave and what to do if the signal won’t stop.

How turn signals normally cancel

Most cars use a mechanical “cancel” mechanism on the steering column. When you complete a turn and the wheel returns toward center, a cam releases the stalk and the blinker stops. Many modern vehicles also offer a light “lane-change” tap that blinks three to five times and then cancels itself. If the signal keeps flashing after you’ve straightened out, the stalk is likely still engaged and needs a manual nudge to neutral—or there may be a fault in the stalk or cancel mechanism.

Step-by-step: Turning off a blinking turn signal

Use these steps in most vehicles with a traditional turn-signal stalk on the left side of the steering column.

1. Complete the turn and begin straightening the steering wheel. The signal should cancel automatically near center.
2. If it continues flashing, gently move the stalk to the middle (neutral) position. Up or forward is typically right; down or back is left—the neutral is the center detent.
3. If you activated a “lane-change” signal with a light tap, either wait for it to finish its 3–5 blinks or nudge the stalk back to neutral to cancel early.
4. Confirm cancellation on the instrument cluster: the green arrow icon should stop flashing and the tick sound should cease.

In most cars, this is all that’s required. Persistent blinking after these steps points to a control or mechanical issue that may need attention.

Variations by vehicle

Controls and behaviors can differ by brand and model year. Keep these common variations in mind so you use the right motion to cancel.

• Momentary/self-centering stalks (common on many BMWs and some Audis/VWs): The stalk springs back to center immediately even when signaling. A firm press engages a continuous signal; a light press triggers a brief 3-blink lane-change. To cancel a continuous signal, press the stalk lightly in the same direction again or tap it in the opposite direction to neutralize.
• Tesla with steering-wheel turn-signal buttons (e.g., 2023–2025 Model 3 “Highland,” updated S/X): Use the left-side wheel buttons. If the signal doesn’t auto-cancel, press the same arrow again to stop it; pressing the opposite arrow switches sides.
• Tesla and other vehicles with traditional stalks (many Model 3/Y and most cars): Return the stalk to the center detent to cancel.
• Older/classic cars: Some may not auto-cancel reliably. Always check the cluster and manually return the stalk to center.

If your controls don’t match these descriptions, check the owner’s manual or the automaker’s in-car help for model-specific instructions.

Turning off hazard lights

Hazard lights are separate from turn signals and are controlled by a dedicated switch. Here’s how to switch them off.

1. Locate the hazard button—typically a red triangle on the center dash (in some cars, near the steering column or overhead console).
2. Press the hazard button once. The red triangle indicator on the dash and the external flashers should stop.
3. If hazards persist, press firmly again. On touch-sensitive buttons, a deliberate press may be required.

Hazards operate independently of the turn-signal stalk, so returning the stalk to neutral will not stop them—you must press the hazard switch.

If your blinker won’t turn off

Occasionally, a signal may keep flashing despite normal steps. Run through these quick checks before seeking service.

• Straighten the steering wheel fully, then gently nudge the stalk to its neutral detent.
• Verify you didn’t activate hazards; if both sides flash, toggle the hazard button off.
• Wait out a lane-change cycle; brief taps often blink 3–5 times by design before stopping.
• Try a light press in the same direction (on momentary systems) to cancel, or a brief opposite-direction tap to neutralize.
• Look for signs of a fault: stalk feels loose or gritty, no auto-cancel after multiple turns, or the signal won’t latch/cancel consistently—this can indicate a worn cancel cam, faulty stalk switch, clockspring/steering-angle sensor issue, or body-control module fault.
• Seek service if problems persist. A technician can inspect the column switchgear and related electronics; these are usually straightforward repairs.

Simple issues often resolve with a proper neutralization of the stalk or hazard switch, but recurring failures warrant professional diagnosis to ensure reliable signaling.

Quick safety reminders

Correct use of signals keeps you predictable to other road users. These tips help you stay safe and avoid confusion.

• Keep the signal on until you complete the maneuver, then cancel promptly so you don’t mislead others.
• Always verify cancellation on the instrument cluster; don’t rely solely on sound if you’re in a noisy cabin.
• Use hazards only to indicate a temporary stop or an emergency—not while moving in rain or fog, which can obscure your brake/turn signals.

Consistent, timely signaling and prompt cancellation improve communication and reduce collision risk.

Summary

Most blinkers turn off automatically as the steering wheel returns to center; if not, gently return the stalk to its neutral position, or press the same turn button again on vehicles with wheel-mounted controls. Hazards must be canceled with the red triangle button. If your signals won’t cancel or never auto-cancel, the stalk or cancel mechanism may need service.