What Are Car “Blinkers” Called?

They are formally called turn signals or indicators. In North America you’ll most often hear “turn signals,” while in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and much of the Commonwealth they’re called “indicators.” “Blinkers” is a common colloquial term, and the same lamps flash together as “hazard lights” when used for emergencies.

Common Names and Where They’re Used

Automotive lighting terminology varies by region and context. The following list outlines the most common names for “blinkers” and where you’re likely to encounter each term.

• Turn signals (U.S. and Canada): The standard technical and everyday term.
• Indicators (UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa): The everyday and technical term; you’ll also hear “direction indicators.”
• Blinkers (U.S.): Informal/colloquial; widely understood but not used in regulations.
• Direction indicators (global technical/standards language): Used in engineering and homologation documents.
• Hazard lights/hazard flashers: Both sides flashing simultaneously via the hazard switch for warnings or emergencies.

While the words differ, they all refer to the same signaling function: communicating a turn, lane change, or hazard to other road users via flashing lights.

What the Turn-Signal System Includes

Modern vehicles integrate several components to make indicators reliable, visible, and compliant with safety regulations. Here’s what’s typically involved.

• Control stalk or switch: The lever on the steering column used to signal left or right; often self-cancels after a turn.
• Indicator lamps: Front and rear lamps; many vehicles also have side repeaters on fenders or mirrors for added visibility.
• Hazard switch: Activates both sides to flash simultaneously; usually marked with a red triangle.
• Electronics: A flasher relay in older cars or a body control module (BCM) in newer vehicles manages the flash rate and bulb-out detection.
• Dashboard telltales: Green arrow icons flash with an audible tick; a red triangle indicates hazards in many markets.
• Wiring, fuses, and connectors: Provide power and ensure proper circuit protection.
• Lamps/LEDs and optics: Filament bulbs in older vehicles; LEDs (often with lenses or reflectors) in newer models for efficiency and longevity.

Together, these parts ensure your signals are easy to use, easy to notice, and compliant with the rules that govern road safety.

How They’re Supposed to Work

Turn signals are designed to convey intent early and clearly, reducing ambiguity for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The points below summarize basic operation and expectations.

• Activation: Move the stalk up or down (right or left) before turning or changing lanes; many cars offer a “lane-change” three-blink touch.
• Flash rate: Typically regulated to about 60–120 flashes per minute; a rapid “hyperflash” often signals a bulb/LED failure or system fault.
• Self-cancel: After completing a turn, the steering wheel’s return usually cancels the signal automatically; cancel manually if it doesn’t.
• Hazards: Press the hazard button to flash both sides in an emergency, breakdown, or when temporarily stopped in a dangerous position (follow local laws).

Used correctly, signals provide a clear, early cue that helps others anticipate your movement and avoid conflicts on the road.

Colors, Brightness, and the Rules

Signal color and performance are tightly regulated to ensure conspicuity and consistency. Requirements differ slightly by region but share common goals.

• Front signals: Amber in the U.S., Canada, and under UN regulations; white is not allowed for turn indication.
• Rear signals: Amber is mandatory in most countries following UN regulations; the U.S. and Canada permit red or amber rear turn signals.
• Side repeaters: Required in many UN-regulated markets; optional but permitted in North America.
• Standards and rules: UN Regulation No. 148 (consolidating earlier R6) governs direction indicators in many regions; the U.S. and Canada use FMVSS/CMVSS No. 108 with SAE standards. Australia applies the Australian Design Rules (ADRs).
• Performance: Regulations specify minimum luminous intensity, viewing angles, and flash frequency so signals remain visible in varied conditions.

While details vary, the emphasis is consistent: signals must be bright, amber up front, and clearly visible from multiple angles to communicate intent effectively.

Advanced Features and Trends

Indicator technology has evolved, improving visibility and reliability while enabling distinctive design.

• LED indicators: Faster illumination, lower power draw, and longer life than filament bulbs.
• Sequential/dynamic turn signals: LEDs light in a sweeping pattern toward the intended direction; permitted where they meet regulatory criteria.
• Mirror and fender repeaters: Increase side visibility, especially valuable at junctions and in blind spots.
• Bulb/LED failure detection and “hyperflash”: The system speeds up the flash to alert the driver of a fault; LED retrofits require compatible electronics to avoid false hyperflash.
• Integration with driver-assistance: Some systems can auto-signal during automated lane changes or activate hazards after a collision; implementation varies by brand and market.
• Safety research: Real-world studies have associated amber rear turn signals with lower crash involvement compared with red, influencing some automakers’ designs.

These developments aim to make signaling more visible, more informative, and more reliable, without confusing other road users.

Related Terms Drivers Ask About

Because many lights now perform multiple roles, it’s easy to mix up terms. Here’s how related features differ from turn signals.

• Hazard lights vs. blinkers: Hazards flash both sides simultaneously to warn of a problem; blinkers indicate a single direction for turns/lane changes.
• Daytime running lights (DRLs): Steady lights to make the car more visible in daylight; they are not turn signals.
• Cornering lights: Illuminate the inside of a bend at low speeds; separate from indicators though sometimes activated with steering or turn-signal input.
• Emergency Stop Signal (ESS): Rapid flashing brake lamps (in some markets) under hard braking; distinct from hazards and governed by separate rules.

Knowing the differences helps ensure you use each feature appropriately and understand what other drivers intend.

Practical Tips for Using and Maintaining Turn Signals

Good signaling habits and basic maintenance go a long way toward safer driving and fewer misunderstandings.

• Signal early and clearly—before braking or turning, and well ahead of lane changes.
• Cancel the signal after the maneuver if it doesn’t self-cancel.
• Investigate hyperflash promptly; it usually indicates a failed bulb/LED or wiring issue.
• Replace failed bulbs in pairs on the same axle when possible, or use OEM-spec LEDs for compatibility.
• Keep lenses clean and free of damage; cracked or faded lenses reduce visibility and may be illegal.
• Use hazards only as permitted by local laws—typically for breakdowns, obstructions, or immediate dangers.

Consistent, courteous signaling and a few quick checks can dramatically improve communication and safety on the road.

Summary

“Blinkers” are properly called turn signals or indicators, and they’re among the most important communication tools on a vehicle. Front indicators are amber; rear indicators are amber in most countries and may be red or amber in North America. Regulated under UN R148 (globally) and FMVSS/CMVSS 108 (U.S./Canada), modern systems use LEDs, may feature sequential patterns, and alert drivers to faults via hyperflash. Regardless of the name, the purpose is universal: signal early, signal clearly, and help everyone share the road safely.

What is the blinker called on a car?

turn signal
The term “blinker” for a car’s turn signal is commonly used in the United States and Canada. In other regions, such as the UK, the term “indicator” is more commonly used. While “blinker” is widely understood in North America, you might encounter variations like “turn signal” or simply “signal” as well.

What is the proper name for a blinker?

turn signal. turn indicator. directional signal. signal light. “The blinker on my car stopped working, so I had to use hand signals to indicate when I was turning.”

What is the official name for a turn signal?

Blinker: An informal term for a turn signal. Turn signal: The official name for the flashing lights that indicate a turn. Turn signals are also known as direction indicators, directionals, or indicators.

What are the blinking lights on cars called?

Signal Lights– They are located at the front and rear of the car and are sometimes referred to as blinkers or “turn signals”. When lit, they alert other drivers that the lit vehicle is about to turn (in the visible direction) and will most likely slow down.