Which side is the turn-signal control on?

In most modern cars, the turn-signal stalk is on the left side of the steering column; however, some right-hand-drive markets—especially models from Japanese manufacturers—place it on the right. On motorcycles, the turn-signal switch is almost always on the left handlebar. If you’re unsure, look for the arrow icons on the stalks or check your owner’s manual.

What “left or right” could mean

Drivers often ask whether the turn signal is on the “left or right” for two reasons: which side of the steering column the control is on, and which indicators illuminate when you signal. The control’s placement varies by region and manufacturer, while the lights that flash always match the direction you’re signaling—left lamps for a left turn, right lamps for a right turn.

Placement by vehicle type and region

The following list outlines where you’re most likely to find the turn-signal control based on vehicle type and market conventions. Because manufacturers increasingly standardize parts across global models, there are exceptions.

• Left-hand-drive cars (United States, Canada, most of Europe): Typically a stalk on the left side of the steering column.
• Right-hand-drive markets (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, South Africa):
  – European and many Korean brands: Often keep the stalk on the left, even in right-hand-drive cars.
  – Japanese brands (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, etc.): Frequently place the stalk on the right in their domestic and some export RHD models, though globalized models may use the left to align with worldwide parts.
• United Kingdom: Predominantly left-side stalks, particularly for European makes; some Japanese models use right-side stalks.
• Australia and New Zealand: Mixed—European imports commonly left; many Japanese models right.
• Japan (domestic market): Commonly right-side stalks.
• India and other RHD markets: Mixed; many mass-market models influenced by Japanese tooling use right-side stalks, while some global platforms keep left.
• Motorcycles and scooters worldwide: Turn-signal switch almost always on the left handlebar cluster (operated by the left thumb).
• Commercial trucks and buses: Varies by manufacturer and region; expect either side depending on brand lineage and market.

In short, if you drive in North America or mainland Europe, expect a left-side stalk. In right-hand-drive countries, check the brand: European and Korean cars often stay left; many Japanese models go right.

How the stalk operates

Once you find the stalk, the motion to signal is broadly consistent across modern vehicles, with a few rare exceptions in older or niche models.

• Push the stalk up to signal right; push it down to signal left (this convention holds in most cars, regardless of which side the stalk is mounted on).
• Light press/partial movement often triggers a three-blink “lane-change” function; a full click latches until you turn or manually cancel.
• Canceling: Turning the wheel usually auto-cancels after completing the turn; you can also gently return the stalk to center.
• Dashboard confirmation: Arrow indicators on the instrument cluster flash in the direction selected; a faster blink often indicates a bulb out.

If the motion feels unfamiliar, rely on the arrow icons printed on the stalk and watch the dashboard indicators to confirm the direction.

Quick ways to confirm in your vehicle

If you’re in an unfamiliar car—especially a rental in a different driving market—use these quick checks to avoid accidental wiper activation or missed signals.

1. Look for arrow icons on the stalks: the one with left/right arrow symbols is the turn-signal control; the other typically has wiper icons.
2. With ignition on, gently nudge each stalk: the turn-signal stalk will flash the dashboard arrows; the wiper stalk will operate the wipers or washers.
3. Check the owner’s manual or door-jamb quick guide: many rentals include a control layout diagram.
4. Identify the hazard switch (red triangle): pressing it flashes both indicators and helps you confirm the lamp locations.
5. Practice while stationary: signal left and right and watch the exterior mirrors or reflections to build muscle memory before driving.

These steps take less than a minute and can prevent confusion—especially in countries where stalk placement might differ from what you’re used to.

Why the placement varies

Differences stem from manufacturing history, cost, and standardization. Japanese domestic-market designs traditionally favored right-side indicator stalks in right-hand-drive cars, and many exports retained that layout. European manufacturers largely standardized on left-side stalks across both left- and right-hand-drive models to streamline parts. As global platforms proliferated, many brands harmonized controls, but legacy preferences and supplier tooling still produce regional variations.

Bottom line

Most cars use a left-side turn-signal stalk, but a notable minority—particularly Japanese-brand models in right-hand-drive markets—use the right. Motorcycles place the switch on the left handlebar. If you’re unsure, check the stalk icons or your dashboard arrows before setting off.

Summary

Typically: left-side stalk in most cars; right-side in some Japanese-influenced right-hand-drive models; left handlebar switch on motorcycles. When in doubt, verify by the arrow icons, a quick test with the ignition on, or the owner’s manual.

Which way do you push the blinker to go left?

By pulling the lever down, you activate the signals on the right side of the car to indicate a right-hand turn. By pushing the lever up, you activate the signals on the left side of the vehicle for a left-hand turn. Brake lights come on automatically when you step on the brakes.

Is the turn signal on the left or right?

left
On most cars, the turn signal lever is located to the left of the steering wheel. Shifting the lever up indicates a right turn and shifting it down indicates a left turn.

Which way is right on a turn signal?

And push the turn signal in the same. Direction. Just like that as you can see the right turn signal has activated. And in this car there’s actually a right turn signal.

Are indicators always on the left?

All modern cars I’ve driven have the indicators on the left, wipers on the right. My 1991 Honda Civic has it the other way around, as other people have mentioned it was often the case in previous years with Japanese cars.