Turn Signal or Blinker? What Drivers Say vs. What the Manuals Call It

Both terms refer to the same vehicle feature, but “turn signal” is the standard and technical term in North America, while “blinker” is informal. Elsewhere, especially in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, the common term is “indicator.” The choice depends on audience and context: use “turn signal” (or “indicator” outside North America) in formal or technical writing, and “blinker” in casual conversation.

What the Terms Mean

“Turn signal,” “blinker,” and “indicator” all describe the flashing lights at the front and rear of a vehicle that communicate a driver’s intention to turn or change lanes. These lamps are controlled by a stalk or switch near the steering wheel and are required safety equipment worldwide. While the function is universal, the preferred term varies by region and level of formality.

Related but distinct: hazard lights

Hazard lights (sometimes called “flashers”) make all four signal lamps blink simultaneously to warn of a stationary vehicle or emergency. They are not a substitute for using the turn signal/indicator during turns or lane changes, and traffic laws typically distinguish clearly between these functions.

Regional and Stylistic Differences

The vocabulary for this safety device changes with geography and context. The following examples outline the most common usage patterns across English-speaking regions and in industry standards.

• United States: “Turn signal” is the prevalent and formal term in owner’s manuals, journalism, and law; “blinker” is widely used informally. Some older or regional usage includes “directional” (e.g., parts of the Northeast).
• Canada: “Turn signal” and “signal light” are common in manuals and government materials; “blinker” is understood but informal.
• United Kingdom & Ireland: “Indicator” or “direction indicator” is the standard term in conversation, media, and official guidance.
• Australia & New Zealand: “Indicator” is the everyday and official term.
• South Africa, India, Singapore and other Commonwealth-influenced markets: “Indicator” is widely used in everyday speech and motoring sources.
• Automotive standards: In the U.S., Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 refers to “turn signal lamps.” UN regulations (e.g., UN/ECE Regulation No. 6) use “direction indicator.”

These differences are largely about convention, not function: the device works the same way everywhere, but the preferred label shifts with audience and jurisdiction.

Legal and Safety Context

Traffic codes and safety standards specify when and how to use turn signals/indicators. North American regulations typically use “turn signal lamp(s)” in statutory language, while UN/ECE-based markets use “direction indicator.” Regardless of terminology, signaling is legally required for turns and lane changes in most jurisdictions, and failure to signal can result in citations and increased crash risk.

In manuals and driver education

Owner’s manuals, driver handbooks, and training materials use the formal terms favored locally: “activate the turn signal” in the U.S. and Canada; “use your indicator” in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. This convention carries over into technical documentation and service procedures.

When to Use Which Term

If you’re deciding how to phrase it—in conversation, writing, or instruction—the following guidelines help you match tone and audience.

1. Use “turn signal” for formal, technical, or legal contexts in the U.S. and Canada; reserve “blinker” for casual speech.
2. Use “indicator” for UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other markets aligned with British English.
3. In cross-regional communication, pick one term and define it once (e.g., “turn signal (indicator)”) to avoid confusion.
4. Avoid using “hazard lights” or “flashers” when you mean the directional signal; hazards are a separate function.

Following these conventions keeps writing clear and compliant with local expectations while ensuring readers understand the feature and its proper use.

Bottom Line

“Turn signal” and “blinker” describe the same device; “turn signal” is the standard term in North America, “blinker” is informal, and “indicator” is the norm in many other English-speaking countries. Choose the term that fits your audience and context, and signal consistently—your safety and clarity depend on it.

Summary

They’re the same thing: say “turn signal” in formal North American contexts, “blinker” informally, and “indicator” in British-influenced English. Laws and manuals favor the formal local term, while everyday speech varies. Regardless of the label, the function—communicating your intended turn or lane change—remains essential.

What is the correct term for blinker?

A blinker, or turn signal, is a type of automotive lighting. Blinker may also refer to: Blinders, also called “blinkers” or “winkers,” a piece of horse tack used on a horse’s bridle to restrict the horse’s vision.

Is turn signal one word?

turn signal (noun)

Why do they call it a blinker?

A blinker is called a blinker because it refers to a flashing or blinking light that is used for signaling or warning, such as the flashing light on a car’s turn signal or the light on a vape that indicates an automatic shutoff or overheating condition. The term “blinker” derives from the verb “to blink,” describing the action of the light flashing on and off.
 
Common Uses of the Term “Blinker”

• Vehicle Turn Signals: Opens in new tabIn North America, the term “blinker” is often used for a car’s turn signal, which flashes on and off to indicate a change in direction. 
• Vape Pens (Slang): Opens in new tabIn slang terms, “blinker” refers to a vape device that has a blinking light. This can be a normal function to indicate a battery low, but it also occurs when someone takes an excessively long draw, hitting the device’s maximum puff time limit. 
• Horse Tack: Opens in new tabIn the equestrian world, “blinkers” (also called “blinders”) are pieces of leather on a horse’s bridle that restrict its side vision, making the horse “blink” or see only forward. 
• Signal Lamps: Opens in new tabMore broadly, “blinker” can refer to a flashing light on a naval vessel used for signaling purposes. 

Is it a blinker or turn signal?

The term “blinker” for a car’s turn signal is commonly used in the United States and Canada. In other regions, such as the UK, the term “indicator” is more commonly used.