What Is the Turn Signal on a Car Called?

It’s most commonly called a “turn signal.” In North America, you’ll also hear “blinker” or “directional,” while in the UK and many other countries it’s usually called an “indicator.” The lever you move to activate it is typically referred to as the turn-signal stalk (or indicator stalk). This terminology varies by region and context, but all refer to the lighting system that communicates your intention to turn or change lanes.

Names by Region and Context

Different English-speaking regions favor different terms for the same safety device. The list below clarifies the most widely used names and how they’re commonly understood.

• Turn signal: The most widely understood term, used globally and in technical documentation.
• Indicator: Standard in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and common in international automotive standards.
• Blinker: Colloquial in the United States and Canada.
• Directional / Directional signal: Older or industry-leaning American usage, still recognized.
• Signal light / Indicator light: Generic phrasing seen in manuals and parts catalogs.
• Stalk / Indicator stalk / Turn-signal stalk: The steering-column lever used to actuate the system.
• Flasher: Properly refers to the electronic module controlling flash rate, not the lamp itself.

While drivers might use these terms interchangeably, “turn signal” and “indicator” are the clearest and most universally understood, especially across regions and in service or legal contexts.

How the Turn Signal System Works

Modern turn signals are a coordinated system of lights, switches, and controls designed to be conspicuous and reliable. Here’s what’s typically involved on today’s vehicles.

• Lamps: Front (amber), rear (amber in most countries; red permissible in the U.S. and Canada), and often side repeaters or mirror-integrated indicators for lateral visibility.
• Control lever: The steering-column stalk activates left or right signals; many cars add a “lane-change” soft tap for brief signaling.
• Electronics: An electronic flasher or the body control module regulates the flash rate, typically around 60–120 flashes per minute.
• Self-cancel mechanism: A cam in the steering column cancels the signal as the wheel returns toward center after a turn.
• Driver feedback: Dashboard arrows and an audible tick confirm operation; a rapid tick often indicates a failed bulb or LED fault.
• Lighting tech: Most new vehicles use LEDs for faster illumination and improved durability versus older incandescent bulbs.

Together, these components ensure that other road users can reliably detect your intended direction change and that you receive clear feedback the system is working.

Proper Use and Road Etiquette

Correct signaling is legally required and central to safe, predictable traffic flow. The following practices help ensure your indications are timely and clear.

1. Always signal before turns, lane changes, merges, exits, and roundabout maneuvers.
2. Signal early—generally 3–5 seconds or about 100–200 feet before the maneuver, adjusting for speed and conditions.
3. Let the self-cancel work after the turn, but check and manually cancel if needed.
4. Do not use hazard lights while moving to replace a turn signal; hazards signal a stationary or emergency situation in many jurisdictions.
5. If the turn signal fails, use standardized hand signals until repaired.

Consistent, anticipatory signaling reduces collisions and misunderstandings, especially in heavy traffic, poor visibility, and multi-lane environments.

Law and Standards at a Glance

Turn signals are regulated for color, brightness, placement, and flash rate. While specifics vary by region, these are the key frameworks and norms.

• United States: FMVSS No. 108 permits amber or red rear turn signals; front must be amber. Flash rate typically 60–120/minute.
• Canada: CMVSS 108 aligns closely with U.S. rules; red rear signals are allowed.
• Europe and most of the world: UN ECE Regulations (notably R6 and R48) require amber front and rear turn signals with defined intensities and angles of visibility.
• Failure indication: Many systems detect bulb/LED failure and change the flash rate or display a warning.
• Enforcement: Non-use or misuse can lead to citations; correct operation is part of vehicle inspections in many jurisdictions.

While you don’t need to know the regulation numbers to drive, understanding that standards govern visibility and consistency explains why signals look and behave similarly worldwide.

Common Misconceptions

Turn signals are simple in use but often misunderstood. The points below clear up frequent confusion.

• “Blinker” isn’t different hardware—it’s just another name for the same turn signal.
• Self-canceling isn’t foolproof; always verify the signal turned off after a lane change or gentle curve.
• Daytime running lights (DRLs) are not turn signals; they don’t communicate direction.
• Hazard lights aren’t a stand-in for signaling movement; they indicate a hazard or stationary emergency in many places.
• Amber rear signals are generally more conspicuous than red; some studies and regulators favor amber for clarity.

Keeping these distinctions in mind helps prevent signaling errors and improves how others interpret your intentions.

Summary

The turn signal—also known as an indicator, blinker, or directional—alerts others to your intent to turn or change lanes. Actuated via the steering-column stalk, it operates standardized front, rear, and often side lamps that flash at a regulated rate. Names vary by region, but the purpose is universal: clear, early communication that enhances road safety and legal compliance.

What is the turn signal in a car called?

Direction indicator lights or turn signals, informally known as directional signals, directionals, blinkers, or indicators, are blinking lights mounted near the left and right front and rear corners of a vehicle, and sometimes on the sides or on the side mirrors of a vehicle (where they are called repeaters).

What is another name for a turn signal?

Blinker or turn signal or directional.

What is the turn signal stick called?

Also known as blinker switch, turn signal lever, or turn signal arm, the turn signal switch is a lever that’s usually mounted on the steering column.

What is the average cost to replace a blinker?

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