What Is the Turn Signal in a Car Called?

The device is most commonly called a turn signal, but it’s also known as an indicator, blinker, or directional signal, depending on region and context. It’s the lighting system that flashes to show other road users you intend to turn or change lanes.

Common Names Around the World

Automakers and drivers use different terms for the same component across regions. The following list outlines the most widely used names and where you’re likely to hear them.

• Turn signal: Standard in the United States and Canada.
• Indicator or turn indicator: Common in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, and much of Europe.
• Blinker: Colloquial in North America.
• Directional signal/direction indicator: Formal/technical usage in manuals and regulations.
• Signal lights: General umbrella term used in everyday speech.
• Trafficator: Historical term for semaphore-style arms used on older vehicles (pre-1960s).
• Winker: Informal term seen in some motorcycle contexts and in a few Asian markets.

Regardless of the name, all refer to the same safety-critical lighting function: signaling your intended direction change to others on the road.

What It Does and Why It Matters

Turn signals communicate a driver’s intentions clearly and early, reducing collisions during turns, lane changes, merging, and exiting roundabouts. They also integrate with other safety systems to enhance visibility.

• Indicate upcoming turns and lane changes to surrounding traffic.
• Activate hazard warning lights (both sides flashing) when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly due to an emergency.
• Improve side visibility via “repeaters” on fenders or mirrors, helping drivers in blind spots see your signal.
• Enhance clarity with modern “sequential” animations that move in the direction of the intended turn (where legal).

Used correctly, turn signals are a simple, universally understood language that helps prevent misunderstandings and crashes.

How It Works

While the driver only interacts with a stalk or switch, several components and controls coordinate to produce the familiar flashing lights and dashboard indicators.

Key Components

These are the primary parts that make a turn signal system function, from driver input to illuminated lamps.

• Turn-signal stalk or switch: Mounted on the steering column; selects left or right signal and often provides a “lane-change” momentary function.
• Body control module (BCM) or flasher unit: Times the flashes (typically about 60–120 flashes per minute) and monitors bulb/LED status.
• Lamps: Amber front indicators; rear indicators are amber in most markets, though red is permitted in the U.S. and Canada.
• Side repeaters: Additional lamps on fenders or mirrors to improve lateral visibility (required in many regions).
• Hazard switch: Activates all indicators simultaneously for emergencies.
• Self-cancel mechanism: Uses steering wheel rotation to return the stalk to neutral after a turn.
• Tell-tale indicators and sounder: Dashboard arrows and an audible “tick” to confirm operation; rapid “hyperflash” often signals a bulb or circuit fault.

Together, these elements ensure the signal is visible, audible, and automatically cancelled to minimize driver distraction.

Basic Operation

The sequence below summarizes what happens from the moment you request a turn signal to the point it cancels.

1. The driver moves the stalk up or down to select right or left, or taps lightly for lane-change (typically three flashes).
2. The BCM or flasher unit energizes the circuit, producing a steady flash rate within regulated limits.
3. Dashboard tell-tales illuminate in sync with an audible click; exterior lamps flash front, side, and rear.
4. After the turn, the steering wheel’s return triggers self-cancel; for lane-change, the stalk springs back on its own.
5. If a lamp fails or current draw is abnormal, the system may hyperflash or show a warning message.

This controlled timing and feedback help drivers signal consistently and detect faults quickly.

Legal and Safety Considerations

Most jurisdictions require drivers to signal before turning or changing lanes, with rules specifying timing, color, and brightness. In the U.S., FMVSS 108 governs lighting performance; in many other markets, UNECE Regulations (notably R6 and R48) apply. Front indicators are amber; rear indicators are typically amber under UNECE rules, while the U.S. and Canada allow red or amber. Flash rates are generally regulated to around 60–120 flashes per minute. Many places require signaling for a set distance or time before maneuvers (for example, at least 100 feet in many U.S. states, often more at higher speeds). Always check local traffic laws.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Regular checks keep signals compliant and visible. The following items cover problems drivers encounter and how to address them.

• Burned-out bulb or failed LED module: Replace promptly; hyperflash is a common symptom.
• Dirty, fogged, or cracked lenses: Clean or repair to maintain brightness and beam pattern.
• Faulty stalk or self-cancel mechanism: May cause signals not to engage or cancel prematurely.
• Wiring, relay, or BCM faults: Can cause intermittent operation; diagnostic scan may be required.
• Fuse issues: A blown fuse can disable one or more indicators.
• LED retrofits on older vehicles: May need load resistors or compatible flashers to prevent hyperflash.
• Water ingress: Moisture can corrode connectors and dim LEDs.

Addressing these issues promptly preserves safety, prevents citations, and avoids confusing other drivers.

Modern Features and Trends

Today’s vehicles integrate turn signals with advanced lighting and driver-assistance systems for better visibility and communication.

• LED and OLED indicators for faster activation, higher contrast, and longer life.
• Sequential indicators that “sweep” outward in the direction of the turn (where allowed by regulation).
• Mirror-integrated repeaters for enhanced side visibility and styling.
• Blind-spot detection and cross-traffic alerts linked to the turn signal to warn of unsafe lane changes.
• Adaptive brightness and automatic activation in certain assisted-driving lane changes.
• Integrated hazard strategies (e.g., automatic hazard activation during severe braking in some markets, subject to regulations).

These innovations aim to make driver intentions clearer while staying within strict lighting standards.

Proper Use Tips

Using your turn signals predictably helps everyone around you anticipate your next move. These practical tips reflect common best practices.

1. Signal early—aim for at least three seconds before turning or changing lanes.
2. Signal before you brake for a turn so following drivers understand your intent.
3. Use signals for every lane change, merge, exit, and roundabout maneuver.
4. Cancel promptly after completing the maneuver; verify the stalk returned to neutral.
5. Use hazard lights only when stopped roadside or moving abnormally slowly due to an emergency, as allowed by local law.

Consistent, timely signaling fosters smoother traffic flow and reduces the risk of collisions.

Related Terms

Turn signals are part of a broader exterior lighting system. The terms below clarify how they fit into the whole.

• Hazard lights: Both turn signals flashing simultaneously to warn of a hazard.
• Side markers: Steady lights marking vehicle length; not the same as turn indicators, though some assemblies combine functions.
• Brake lights: Illuminate when braking; distinct from turn indicators.
• Cornering lights: Steady lights that illuminate the inside of a turn at low speeds; separate from indicators.
• Trafficator: Outdated mechanical semaphore used before modern flashing lights.

Understanding these terms helps distinguish different safety functions and their proper use.

Summary

The turn signal—also called an indicator, blinker, or directional signal—is the vehicle’s way of communicating your intended direction change. It relies on a stalk or switch, a control module, and front/side/rear lamps to flash at regulated rates, with colors and visibility defined by regional standards. Used consistently and maintained properly, it’s a simple, powerful tool for safer roads.

What is the turn signal on a car called?

The light used to signal a turn is officially called a turn signal or indicator, but it is also commonly known as a blinker. Other less common terms include “directional,” “direction signal,” and “trafficator”. 
Here’s a breakdown of the terms:

• Turn Signal: Opens in new tabThe most formal and official name for the light that indicates a driver’s intention to turn or change lanes. 
• Blinker: Opens in new tabA widely used informal term, especially in North America, derived from the fact that the light flashes or blinks. 
• Indicator: Opens in new tabThe standard term used in British English and other regions. 
• Directional/Directional Signal: Opens in new tabAnother term that describes the function of the light in indicating direction. 
• Trafficator: Opens in new tabAn older and more obscure term for turn signals, sometimes associated with the older style of signals that protruded from the vehicle’s body. 

What is the turn signal stick called?

The turn signal stick is most accurately called the turn signal switch, but it’s also commonly known as the turn signal lever, turn signal stalk, or simply the stalk or light stick. It’s a multi-function switch located on the steering column that controls not only the turn signals but often also the headlights, wipers, and fog lights.
 
Common Names

• Turn Signal Switch: The most precise technical term. 
• Turn Signal Lever: Emphasizes the lever-like action of the control. 
• Turn Signal Stalk: Refers to its stalk-like appearance on the steering column. 
• Stalk/Light Stick: A more general term for the lever controlling various light functions. 
• Multi-function Switch: A more comprehensive term as this component often controls other vehicle systems besides the turn signals. 

Function
This switch is a critical input device for your vehicle’s lighting and other systems. 

• Activating Turn Signals: Moving the lever up or down activates the right or left turn signals, respectively. 
• Controlling Other Functions: On many cars, it also controls the headlights (high and low beams) and windshield wipers. 

This video shows how to replace the turn signal stalk on a Chevy truck: 58sJustin Nelson’s ProjectsYouTube · Oct 6, 2024

What is another name for a turn signal?

Blinker or turn signal or directional.

What is the average cost to replace a blinker?

$80-$110. The average cost to replace your turn signal bulb is $80 – $110.