Which way for the right blinker: up or down?

In most modern cars, you push the turn-signal stalk up to indicate a right turn and down to indicate a left turn. That convention holds across left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive markets, though a few vehicles (and motorcycles or stalkless cars) use different controls, so it’s wise to confirm in your own vehicle.

What most drivers will experience

Automakers have largely standardized the turn-signal lever so that a quick upward movement signals a right turn and a downward movement signals a left turn. The lever is commonly on the left side of the steering column in North America and much of Europe; in some right-hand-drive markets, the lever may be on the right side, but the direction of movement remains the same: up for right, down for left. The lever typically self-cancels after the wheel returns toward center, and many cars add a “lane-change” feature that gives a few blinks with a light tap.

Notable variations you might encounter

While the up-for-right convention is widespread, a handful of layouts depart from the familiar stalk motion. The following examples outline the most common variations and where drivers might see them.

• Motorcycles and scooters: Usually a thumb switch that slides left or right (not up/down); press to cancel. Right turn is a rightward push.
• Some performance and luxury cars (e.g., recent Ferrari and some Tesla models): Turn signals are buttons or touch-capacitive controls on the steering wheel; you press the right-side arrow or dedicated button for the right indicator.
• Older or vintage vehicles: Atypical stalk geometries or column-mounted rotary switches can exist; operation may differ from modern norms.
• Right-hand-drive markets: The turn-signal stalk may be on the right side of the wheel, but movement is still typically up for right, down for left.

These exceptions don’t change the basic signaling logic, but they do alter how you physically activate the indicator, which can be disorienting when switching vehicles.

How to confirm in your vehicle

If you’re unsure about your specific car or bike, a quick check can save confusion in traffic. Use the steps below to verify the control and the dashboard confirmation light.

1. With the ignition on, gently move the stalk upward and watch for the right-pointing arrow on the instrument cluster; a ticking sound or indicator light confirms activation.
2. Tap the stalk downward and look for the left-pointing arrow to confirm the opposite direction.
3. If your vehicle has steering-wheel buttons, press the right-arrow button and confirm the right indicator on the cluster and exterior lamps.
4. Consult the owner’s manual for the exact control layout and any lane-change or adaptive features unique to your model.

Once you’ve verified the indicator behavior and dashboard feedback, muscle memory usually follows quickly—even if the control layout differs from what you’re used to.

Why consistency matters

Turn signals are a fundamental communication tool on the road. The widespread “up for right, down for left” convention helps drivers transition between most cars without relearning basics, and clear dashboard arrows reinforce the direction regardless of control layout. Where manufacturers depart from stalks, they typically use unmistakable right/left icons and add chimes or messages to reduce ambiguity.

Summary

In most cars, the right blinker is up and the left blinker is down. Exceptions include motorcycles (left/right thumb switch) and some newer or high-performance cars that use steering-wheel buttons instead of a stalk. If in doubt, look for the right-pointing arrow on your dash, test the control with the ignition on, and check your owner’s manual.

Is the right turn signal up or down?

For most vehicles, you push the turn signal lever up for a right turn and down for a left turn. The lever is usually located on the left side of the steering column, so you can operate it with your left hand while keeping your right hand on the wheel.
 
How to use your turn signal lever: 

1. Find the lever: It’s a stalk on the left side of your steering column.
2. Signal right: Push the lever up.
3. Signal left: Push the lever down.
4. Turn it off: The signal will often cancel automatically after a turn or lane change, but you can also manually push the lever back to the center to turn it off.

Why this matters: 

• Communication: Turn signals are a crucial way to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
• Safety: Using turn signals properly is essential to prevent accidents and other dangerous situations.

Is the right indicator up or down?

Turn Indicators (Left & Right) 🔄 Push Down → Left Indicator ON 🔄 Push Up → Right Indicator ON 💡 Use: While turning, changing lanes, or overtaking. 🔹 2. Headlights Control (Usually Rotating Switch or Twist on the Lever) 🌑 OFF → All lights off. 🌅 Parking Lights / Side Lights → Low brightness lights for visibility.

Which way is the right blinker?

To signal a right turn, you should push the turn signal lever up on the left side of the steering column. This action activates your vehicle’s right-side turn signals to alert other drivers to your intention to turn or change lanes to the right.
 
This video explains how to use the turn signal lever and what a right turn signal looks like: 59sHelpful DIYYouTube · Apr 26, 2019
How to use the turn signal lever:

1. Locate the lever: The turn signal lever is on the left side of the steering column. 
2. Push the lever up: Push the lever all the way up to activate the right turn signal. 
3. Confirm the signal: You will see a green arrow indicator light up on your dashboard. 
4. Release the lever: The signal will usually cancel automatically after a turn or lane change. If it doesn’t, push the lever back to the middle position to turn it off as soon as it’s safe. 

This video demonstrates how to use turn signals and when to activate them: 54sZutobi Drivers EdYouTube · Nov 9, 2022
When to use turn signals: 

• When making a right or left turn at an intersection.
• When changing lanes.
• When entering or exiting a roadway or highway.
• When changing lanes in traffic.
• When merging into traffic.
• When pulling over to the side of the road.
• Any time you change the direction or position of your vehicle.

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.