What Is a Turn Signal Called?

It’s most commonly called a “turn signal” in North America, widely called an “indicator” in the UK and many other regions, and also known colloquially as a “blinker” or “signal light.” In formal standards, you’ll see “turn signal lamp” (U.S.) or “direction indicator” (UN ECE). This article explains the names people use, where they’re used, and how official terminology differs.

Common Names in English-Speaking Regions

Drivers and manuals use different terms depending on country and context. The list below highlights the most common English-language names and where you’ll hear them most often.

• United States: “turn signal,” also “blinker” or “signal light.”
• Canada: “turn signal,” “signal light,” and sometimes “blinker.”
• United Kingdom & Ireland: “indicator” or “direction indicator.”
• Australia & New Zealand: “indicator,” with “blinker” used informally.
• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa: “indicator” is standard in everyday use.
• Motorcycle community (various): “turn signals,” and in some Japanese-influenced contexts, “winkers.”

While “turn signal” and “indicator” are the most widely accepted, informal terms like “blinker” are common in conversation and media, especially in North America and Australia.

Equivalent Terms in Other Languages

Automotive terms vary widely by language. Below are common equivalents that appear in driver handbooks, vehicle manuals, and everyday speech.

• French: “clignotant.”
• Spanish: “intermitente” (Spain), “direccional” (Mexico and parts of Latin America).
• German: “Blinker” or “Blinklicht.”
• Italian: “indicatore di direzione,” colloquially “freccia.”
• Portuguese: “pisca” (Portugal), “seta” or “pisca” (Brazil).
• Japanese: ウインカー (uinkā, “winker”).
• Korean: 방향지시등 (banghyang jisi deung), colloquial 깜빡이 (kkamppagi).
• Chinese: 转向灯 (Mainland, simplified), 方向燈/轉向燈 (Taiwan/Hong Kong, traditional).

These terms may appear in owner’s manuals, on parts listings, and in road rules, but the function is the same: signaling a change in direction or lane.

Formal and Legal Terminology

Standards bodies and regulations use specific terms to define performance, color, and placement. Below are the key phrases you’ll encounter in official documents and engineering contexts.

• United States (FMVSS No. 108): “turn signal lamp.”
• SAE standards (North America): references to “turn signal lamps” and performance requirements (e.g., photometry, color).
• United Nations ECE regulations (e.g., Regulation No. 6): “direction indicator” (for vehicles and trailers).
• Vehicle design and repair documentation: “directional signal,” “direction indicator lamp,” or simply “indicator lamp.”

These terms matter in manufacturing and certification. They specify how bright the lamp must be, what color it must show, and where it must be mounted.

Related Terms and Distinctions

Some words are often confused with turn signals. Here is how they differ and where you might see them used.

• Hazard lights: “hazard warning lights,” “hazard warning signal,” or “four-way flashers” alert others to a stationary or moving hazard; both sides flash together.
• Flashers: colloquial in some places for hazards; not the same as a single-side turn signal.
• Side repeaters: small indicators on the fenders/mirrors repeating the turn signal to improve visibility.
• Trafficators/semaphores: historical mechanical arms that popped out to signal a turn, seen on classic cars before modern lamps.

Using the correct term helps avoid confusion—especially between turn signals and hazard lights, which serve different safety purposes.

Usage Notes and Practical Details

Beyond naming, a few practical points help explain how turn signals are described and specified in different markets.

• Color: In the U.S., front turn signals are amber; rear turn signals may be amber or red. Under UN ECE rules (common in Europe and many other regions), front and rear turn signals are amber.
• Controls: The lever on the steering column is the “turn signal lever” or “indicator stalk,” depending on local usage.
• Motorcycles: The same terms apply; some manuals and riders refer to them as “winkers,” following Japanese terminology.

These differences reflect regional regulations and design traditions, but the control’s purpose—to indicate your intended direction—remains universal.

Summary

People call it a “turn signal,” “indicator,” “blinker,” or “signal light,” depending on where they live, while official documents use “turn signal lamp” (U.S.) or “direction indicator” (UN ECE). Whatever the name, it’s the same safety device: a flashing light that communicates your intention to turn or change lanes.