What Are Blinkers in a Car?

Blinkers—also called turn signals or indicators—are the flashing lights on a vehicle used to communicate a driver’s intention to turn, change lanes, or pull over. They are legally required in most countries, typically amber at the front and amber or red at the rear (depending on region), and are activated via a stalk on the steering column or a dedicated switch.

Why Blinkers Matter

Blinkers are a primary form of road communication, giving other road users advance notice of your next move. Proper use reduces the risk of side-impact and rear-end collisions, supports smoother traffic flow, and is mandated by road laws worldwide. Failure to signal is a common cause of near-misses and is often ticketable.

How Blinkers Work

Components and Colors

A car’s turn signal system includes bulbs or LEDs, a control module/relay (or body control unit), a steering-column switch, and dashboard indicators. Front turn signals are almost universally amber. Rear turn signals vary: they may be amber (common under UN ECE regulations) or red (permitted under U.S. FMVSS 108). Many modern vehicles integrate LEDs for faster illumination, greater longevity, and distinctive designs such as sequential lighting.

Activation and Canceling

On most cars, pushing the stalk up signals a right turn and down signals a left turn. After completing a turn, a self-canceling mechanism linked to steering angle usually stops the blinking; drivers should verify and manually cancel if needed. Many vehicles also offer a “lane-change” feature that provides three to five blinks with a light tap of the stalk.

Flash Rate and Sound

Typical flash rates are around 60–120 flashes per minute, a range specified by common regulations. The audible “click” you hear is now often synthesized by the car’s audio system rather than a physical relay. Rapid blinking (hyperflash) usually indicates a failed bulb or a circuit mismatch (common after aftermarket LED retrofits without proper resistors or CAN-bus modules).

Where Blinkers Are Located

The following list outlines the common locations and configurations of blinkers on modern cars.

• Front corners: Amber lamps visible to oncoming traffic.
• Rear corners: Amber or red lamps visible to following traffic, depending on market regulations.
• Side repeaters: Indicators on fenders or front quarter panels to improve side visibility.
• Mirror-integrated indicators: LEDs built into side mirrors for higher, eye-level signaling.
• Trailer indicators: Additional turn signals on connected trailers; many cars show a trailer indicator icon on the cluster.

Together, these placements create 360-degree signal visibility, improving the chance others will see and respond to your intended maneuver.

Using Blinkers Correctly

The list below highlights widely accepted best practices for signaling; always check your local traffic code for exact requirements.

• Signal early and clearly: In many U.S. states, signal at least 100 feet (about 30 meters) before a turn in urban areas; more distance is recommended at higher speeds.
• Lane changes: Activate the signal, check mirrors and blind spots, then move when safe; allow at least three blinks before initiating the maneuver.
• Roundabouts: Signal on exit to indicate leaving the roundabout; follow local conventions for multi-lane entries.
• Cancel after use: Confirm the blinker stopped after the maneuver to avoid confusing others.
• Use in all conditions: Signal even when you think no one is around; pedestrians and cyclists rely on your indications too.

Consistent, timely signaling makes your movements predictable and reduces conflict with other road users.

Hazard Lights vs. Turn Signals

Hazard lights (often called “four-ways”) make all indicators flash together and serve a different purpose than turn signals. Here are typical appropriate uses.

• Vehicle breakdown or emergency stop on the roadside or shoulder.
• Warn traffic of a sudden hazard ahead (e.g., debris, abrupt congestion) when permissible.
• Unusually slow-moving vehicle on fast roads, where allowed by law.

Avoid using hazards while driving in poor visibility as a substitute for headlights or fog lights unless local laws and conditions explicitly permit it, since hazards can obscure turn intentions.

Common Issues and Maintenance

Turn signals are reliable, but problems can arise. The following list covers frequent issues and what to check.

• Burned-out bulb or LED failure: Replace bulbs; for LEDs, the entire unit may need replacement.
• Hyperflash after LED retrofits: Add load resistors or use vehicle-specific, CAN-bus-compatible LED units.
• Faulty flasher relay or body control module: Diagnose with a scan tool; repair or replace as needed.
• Bad ground or corroded socket/water ingress: Clean contacts, reseal housings, and address moisture.
• Broken stalk switch: Replace the switch assembly if signals don’t engage or cancel properly.
• Trailer wiring faults: Inspect connectors and fuses; use a proper trailer module to avoid overloads.

Dashboard arrows and click cadence provide clues; rapid or silent operation often points to a fault you should address promptly for safety and legal compliance.

Rules and Regional Differences

While the core function is universal, standards vary by market. The summary below outlines key differences.

• United States/Canada (FMVSS 108/CMVSS): Amber front signals required; rear signals may be red or amber; flash rate typically 60–120 FPM.
• Europe and many other markets (UN ECE regs such as R48, R6/R148): Amber front and rear indicators required; strict visibility and photometric rules apply.
• Usage laws: Signaling before turns and lane changes is mandatory in most jurisdictions, with specified distances or time thresholds.

If you import a vehicle or install aftermarket lighting, ensure it complies with your region’s color, brightness, and visibility requirements.

Design and Technology Trends

Modern cars increasingly feature dynamic and integrated signaling. Key developments include sequential LED indicators, “switchback” daytime running lights that turn amber when signaling, and camera or radar systems that enhance safety when signals are used (for example, activating blind-spot warnings). These advances improve visibility and driver awareness without changing the basic purpose of blinkers.

Summary

Blinkers are your car’s signaling system for turns, lane changes, and emergencies, using flashing lights—typically amber—to inform others of your intentions. Proper, timely use is both a legal requirement and a crucial safety practice. Keep the system maintained, follow local signaling rules, and use hazards appropriately to ensure you’re clearly understood on the road.

When should I use my blinker?

The Right Times to Use Turn Signals
Use your turn signals or a hand signal when doing any of the following: Making a left or right-hand turn at an intersection. Entering a driveway or parking lot on either side of the road. Parking on the side of the street.

What is the purpose of the blinkers in a car?

Signal lights in cars. Signal lights have an important safety function. They demonstrate deceleration and a change in direction of the vehicle, and make the vehicle more visible to other road users when it is dark or during poor visibility.

How to use blinkers in a car?

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 left blinker up or down?

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.