Which Side Is the Turn Signal On?

It depends on the vehicle and market: in most left‑hand‑drive countries (like the U.S., Canada, and much of Europe), the turn‑signal stalk is on the left of the steering column; in many right‑hand‑drive markets (such as Japan, India, Malaysia, and parts of Southeast Asia), it’s commonly on the right. The UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and some other right‑hand‑drive regions are mixed because European brands often keep the stalk on the left. On motorcycles and most bicycles, the indicator switch is typically on the left handlebar.

What Determines Where the Turn-Signal Control Goes?

Automakers typically standardize controls by region to reduce manufacturing complexity and to match driver habits. Left‑hand‑drive markets overwhelmingly place indicators on the left. In many right‑hand‑drive markets, especially those heavily influenced by Japanese manufacturers, indicators are placed on the right so the driver’s dominant hand can keep steering while the left hand shifts in manual cars. European brands, however, often keep the stalk on the left in both LHD and RHD versions, creating mixed conventions in some countries.

Typical Placement by Market

The following list outlines common patterns by region, noting that manufacturers can vary and there’s no universal legal requirement that fixes stalk placement.

• Left stalk (most common): United States, Canada, Mexico, most of continental Europe, China, South Korea, much of the Middle East, and most of Latin America.
• Right stalk (common): Japan (consistently), India (widespread), Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and several other right‑hand‑drive Southeast Asian markets.
• Mixed markets (brand-dependent): United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Cyprus, Malta—Japanese/Korean models often use right, many European imports keep left.

These are norms rather than rules. The surest answer for a specific vehicle is to look at the stalk icons or consult the owner’s manual for that model and market.

How to Find the Turn-Signal Control in Any Car

If you’re unsure in a particular vehicle, these quick checks will help you identify the turn-signal control immediately.

1. Look for the turn-arrow icons: a stalk with left/right arrows typically controls indicators; pushing it up or down activates the signals.
2. Check paired functions: the indicator stalk often also handles high beams (push/pull for flash), while the opposite stalk commonly operates wipers and washers.
3. Do a safe, stationary test: with ignition on, move the suspected stalk up/down—dashboard arrows and exterior lamps should flash accordingly.
4. Consult the cluster: the lit green arrow on the dash will point in the direction of the active signal.
5. Read the manual or driver’s door jamb QR/manual link if available; many cars provide control-layout diagrams.

These steps typically confirm the control side in seconds and also familiarize you with secondary functions on the same stalk.

Motorcycles, Scooters, and Bicycles

Two-wheelers follow a more consistent convention for rider ergonomics and safety.

• Motorcycles and scooters: the indicator switch is usually on the left-hand switch cluster (operated by the left thumb), with press-to-cancel or push-in-to-cancel designs.
• Bicycles with e-bike indicator kits: commonly use a left-hand control pod; exact placement can vary with aftermarket kits.
• Vintage exceptions: some older or specialty models may differ, but modern mass-market bikes are overwhelmingly left-hand for signals.

Because shifting and throttle control occupy the right hand on many two-wheelers, placing indicators on the left remains the norm for better control.

If You Meant the Lights Themselves

Sometimes the question refers to which lamps blink during a turn rather than the stalk placement. Here’s how that works on virtually all vehicles.

• Left turn: the left-side front and rear indicator lamps flash; the dashboard’s left green arrow illuminates.
• Right turn: the right-side front and rear indicator lamps flash; the dashboard’s right green arrow illuminates.
• Hazard lights: all indicator lamps flash simultaneously; both dashboard arrows typically light together.

This convention is globally consistent, aiding predictability for other road users.

Common Reasons for Differences

Why the inconsistency? Several factors drive it across markets and brands.

• Manufacturing standardization: brands minimize unique parts by carrying over control layouts between LHD and RHD models.
• Historic driving habits: in RHD, right-side indicators kept the driver’s left hand free for manual gear changes.
• Supply chain and platform sharing: global platforms often retain a single control architecture to cut costs.

These commercial and ergonomic considerations explain why neighboring countries can have different conventions—and why imports may feel “backwards” to some drivers.

Summary

The turn-signal stalk is typically on the left in most left-hand-drive markets and often on the right in many right-hand-drive markets, with notable mixed exceptions (especially where European and Japanese brands coexist). Motorcycles and most bicycles place indicator controls on the left handlebar. When in doubt, check for arrow icons, try a brief test with the ignition on, or consult the owner’s manual; the dashboard arrows and exterior lamps will confirm left vs. right signaling.

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.

Is the signal on the left or right?

The turn signal is a long lever behind your steering wheel on the left side.

What side of the steering wheel is the blinker switch on?

The turn signal lever is on the left side of the steering wheel in most vehicles. This is a standard design for vehicles in countries with left-hand drive (LHD) where the driver sits on the left side of the car, such as in North America and Europe.
 
Here’s why it’s on the left:

• Standardization: It’s a convention in left-hand drive vehicles to place this control on the left for the driver. 
• Driver’s Reach: The lever is positioned for easy access by the driver’s left hand. 
• Other Controls: The right lever is often used for windshield wipers and washers, as well as other controls, freeing up the left lever for turn signals. 

However, in countries with right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles (like the United Kingdom or Australia), the turn signal lever is usually located on the right side of the steering column to align with the driver’s position.

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.