Which way is the left turn signal?

The left turn signal is down on almost all cars; push the lever down to signal left and up to signal right. This convention holds whether the indicator stalk is on the left or right side of the steering column. On motorcycles and many scooters, the control is a thumb switch: press left for left, right for right, and push in to cancel. For bicycles without electronic indicators, riders use hand signals.

How car turn signals are designed

Automakers follow a near-universal convention: moving the turn-signal stalk downward activates the left indicator, and upward activates the right. This applies in both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive markets. While some models place the stalk on the right side of the steering wheel (common on certain Japanese and European vehicles), the movement direction—down for left, up for right—remains the same. The dashboard typically confirms your selection with a flashing green arrow pointing in the chosen direction and an audible tick.

Common exceptions and other vehicles

Motorcycles and scooters

Most motorcycles and scooters use a left-hand thumb switch on the handlebar. Sliding the switch left signals a left turn, sliding right signals a right turn, and pressing the switch inward cancels. Some modern bikes feature self-canceling indicators that deactivate after a set distance, time, or once the turn is completed.

Bicycles and hand signals

Where bikes lack electronic indicators, riders communicate intentions using standardized hand signals. The following list outlines the most widely recognized signals used in traffic across many regions.

• Left turn: Extend your left arm straight out to the side, parallel to the road.
• Right turn: Extend your right arm straight out to the side; in some regions, you may also raise your left arm with the elbow bent and hand upward.
• Slowing or stopping: Extend your left arm downward with the palm facing rearward.

These hand signals improve visibility and predictability for drivers and other cyclists, especially where bike-specific signaling equipment isn’t present.

Quick checklist to avoid signaling the wrong way

If you’re unsure in an unfamiliar vehicle, use this brief checklist to confirm you’ve selected the intended direction before moving.

• Glance at the dash: The green arrow should flash toward the direction you intend to turn.
• Look for exterior confirmation: Reflections or nearby surfaces can show which side is blinking.
• Remember the rule for cars: Down = left, Up = right.
• Cancel after the turn: Most cars self-cancel, but verify the indicator has stopped flashing.

These simple checks reduce confusion and help prevent miscommunication with other road users.

Why it matters

Using the correct turn signal is a critical safety cue that informs drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians of your intentions. Mis-signaling can lead to hesitation, near-misses, or collisions—especially at intersections and lane changes where timing is tight. Consistent signaling supports traffic flow and lowers crash risk.

Summary

For cars, push the turn-signal lever down to indicate a left turn and up for a right turn, regardless of which side of the steering wheel the stalk is on. Motorcycles typically use a thumb switch—press left for left—while cyclists rely on standard hand signals where electronic indicators aren’t available.

How to show left turn signal?

Make sure your arm is clearly visible to other drivers. Behind. You then we have the left turn hand signal the left turn hand signal is indicated by an arm straight out through the window.

Which direction is the left turn signal?

To activate the left turn signal, you push the turn signal lever (located on the left side of the steering column) down. The left-hand turn signal light will then flash on both the front and rear of the car, and you’ll often hear a ticking sound or see an indicator on the dashboard.
 
This video shows how to use the turn signal lever to activate the left turn signal: 1mHelpful DIYYouTube · Sep 14, 2017
Here’s a simple way to remember it: 

• Push the lever down for a left turn .
• Push the lever up for a right turn .

What to do after the turn:

• Most of the time, the signal will turn off automatically after you complete your turn or lane change. 
• If it doesn’t, turn it off manually by pushing the lever back to the center position as soon as it is safe to do so. 

This video demonstrates how to cancel the turn signal: 52sHelpful DIYYouTube · Apr 26, 2019

Which way is up on the turn signal?

right
You’ve got 2 basic options when signaling: signal left and signal right. To signal left, you push the lever down. To signal right, you push the lever up.

Is the left signal up or down?

To indicate a left turn, you push the turn signal lever down. Conversely, to signal a right turn, you push the lever up. Most cars have the turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column, making it easy to reach with your left hand.
 
How to Use the Turn Signal

1. Locate the lever: Find the turn signal lever on the left side of your steering column. 
2. Signal Left: Push the lever down to activate the left turn signal. You will see a green arrow light up on your dashboard and hear a clicking sound. 
3. Signal Right: Push the lever up to activate the right turn signal. 
4. Turn Off: Once you have completed your turn, the signal will often cancel automatically, but if it doesn’t, push the lever back to the middle position to turn it off.