When to Use Left and Right Blinkers

Use the left blinker whenever you intend to move left—turning, changing lanes left, making a U-turn, or pulling out from the curb—and use the right blinker whenever you intend to move right—turning, merging or exiting to the right, changing lanes right, or pulling over. Signal early, keep it on through the maneuver, and cancel it promptly afterward. In roundabouts, most places require signaling on exit (right signal in right-hand-traffic countries, left signal in left-hand-traffic countries), though specific entry signaling rules vary by jurisdiction.

Core Principle: Signal any change in direction or lateral position

Indicators communicate intent. That means you should signal any time you alter your path—turning at intersections or driveways, moving between lanes, merging, entering or leaving a road or parking space, and when negotiating roundabouts as required locally. Many laws specify signaling continuously for a minimum time or distance before the maneuver (commonly at least 3 seconds or 30–100 meters/100–200 feet, depending on speed and jurisdiction).

If you drive on the right (U.S., Canada, most of Europe)

When to use the left blinker

The following situations typically require the left indicator in right-hand-traffic countries. These uses alert others that you intend to move toward or turn to the left side of your lane or roadway.

• Turning left at intersections or into driveways/alleyways.
• Changing lanes to the left or moving into the left/passing lane on multilane roads.
• Making a U-turn from a left-turn lane or median opening, where legal.
• Pulling out from the right-side curb or leaving a parking space into the traffic lane.
• Shifting left within your lane to avoid an obstacle, when it materially alters your path and could affect others.

In all of these cases, activate the signal well before you begin moving left, keep it on throughout the maneuver, and cancel it once your vehicle is established in the new path.

When to use the right blinker

The following situations typically require the right indicator in right-hand-traffic countries. These uses indicate you intend to move toward or turn to the right side or exit the circulating flow to the right.

• Turning right at intersections or into driveways/alleyways.
• Changing lanes to the right, merging onto a freeway, or exiting to the right via an off-ramp.
• Pulling over to the right-side curb to stop or park.
• Exiting a roundabout: in many right-hand-traffic countries you signal right as you pass the exit before yours, then take your exit.
• Moving right within your lane to avoid an obstacle if it will affect following or adjacent traffic.

Remember that in roundabouts and at complex interchanges, the right signal primarily communicates your intention to leave the circulating roadway to the right, which helps drivers behind and pedestrians anticipate your path.

If you drive on the left (U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan)

When to use the right blinker

In left-hand-traffic countries, the following situations call for the right indicator, signaling a move toward the center or overtaking lane or a rightward turn relative to traffic flow.

• Turning right at intersections or into driveways.
• Changing lanes to the right or moving into the left-roadway’s fast/overtaking lane.
• Making a left-side U-turn equivalent (where a U-turn requires moving toward the center), if permitted.
• Pulling out from the left-side curb or leaving a parking space into the traffic lane.
• On approach to some roundabouts (e.g., U.K./Australia guidance): signal right if taking an exit past 12 o’clock, then change to left to exit.

These cues help following drivers understand you are moving toward the center/overtaking flow or taking a right turn, which requires crossing oncoming traffic in left-hand-traffic systems.

When to use the left blinker

In left-hand-traffic countries, the following situations call for the left indicator, signaling a move toward the curbside or a leftward turn relative to traffic flow.

• Turning left at intersections or into driveways.
• Changing lanes to the left, merging left toward the curbside, or exiting to left-side ramps where applicable.
• Pulling over to the left-side curb to stop or park.
• Exiting a roundabout: in many left-hand-traffic countries you signal left as you pass the exit before yours and then take your exit.
• On approach to some roundabouts (U.K./Australia): signal left for the first exit; no signal or appropriate lane positioning for straight; always signal left to exit.

Because exits in left-hand-traffic roundabouts are to the left, the left blinker is the standard exit signal; local codes may add entry-signal conventions that you should learn and follow.

Roundabouts: know your local rule

Roundabout signaling varies by country. The shared goal is to indicate your intention to leave the circle so others can anticipate your path. Check your highway code; typical patterns include the following.

• U.K. and Australia (clockwise circulation): signal left for the first exit; for exits past 12 o’clock, signal right on approach, maintain right signal while passing earlier exits, then signal left to exit. Always signal left as you leave.
• Many right-hand-traffic countries in continental Europe (counterclockwise circulation): do not signal on approach; signal right to exit.
• North America: many states/provinces advise signaling right to exit; entry signaling is generally not required, but lane choice and positioning matter.

If signs or lane markings at a specific roundabout prescribe different signaling, follow those instructions; they override the general guidance.

Timing and technique

Good signaling is about clarity and consistency. The following points summarize best practice used by road-safety agencies worldwide.

• Activate early: at least 3 seconds before you move, or 30–100 meters (100–200 feet) before a turn, adjusting for speed and conditions.
• Keep it on through the maneuver: maintain the signal until your vehicle is established in the new lane/road.
• Cancel promptly: turn it off as soon as you complete the maneuver to avoid misleading others.
• Signal even in turn-only lanes: many jurisdictions still require it to confirm your intent.
• Don’t rely on signals alone: check mirrors, shoulder-check/blind spots, and yield as required.

These habits ensure your indicators function as intended—enhancing predictability and reducing conflict with other road users.

Common mistakes to avoid

Several frequent errors undermine the value of indicators and can be unsafe or unlawful. Watch for these and correct them.

• Signaling too late or not at all before changing lanes or turning.
• Leaving the blinker on after completing a maneuver, especially on long curves.
• Using the wrong blinker in roundabouts or complex interchanges.
• Signaling without committing (for example, signaling a lane change but not moving), which confuses others.
• Failing to signal when leaving a parking space, driveway, or curb.

Avoiding these pitfalls improves communication with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, reducing the risk of collisions.

Legal and safety notes

Failure to signal is a ticketable offense in most jurisdictions and is often cited as a contributing factor in side-swipe and turning collisions. When in doubt, signal—there is rarely a penalty for communicating clearly, but there can be legal and safety consequences for staying silent. Because details differ by country and even by state or province, consult your local driver’s handbook for exact rules and distances.

Summary

Use the left blinker whenever your vehicle will move left; use the right blinker whenever it will move right. Signal early, keep it on through the maneuver, and cancel it once complete. In roundabouts, signal on exit (right signal in right-hand-traffic countries, left signal in left-hand-traffic countries) and follow any local entry-signal rules. Consistent, timely signaling is a simple habit that markedly improves safety and compliance.