Which side is the turn signal on?

In most cars, the turn-signal stalk is on the left side of the steering column; however, in several right-hand-drive markets—especially Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, and parts of Southeast Asia—it’s often on the right. Placement varies by region and manufacturer, so the surest answer is to check your specific vehicle or its owner’s manual.

Why placement varies

Automakers standardize controls by market conventions, not simply by whether a vehicle is left- or right-hand drive. European and North American markets overwhelmingly use a left-side indicator stalk, and many brands keep that layout globally for consistency and cost. In right-hand-drive markets influenced by Japan, the indicator stalk is commonly on the right, mirroring long-standing domestic norms. Regulations typically govern lighting performance, not which side a control must be on, leaving placement to manufacturer and market preference.

Common placements by region

The following list summarizes typical turn-signal stalk placement by region. It reflects the most common configurations but does not capture every brand or model exception.

• North America (U.S., Canada): Left side is standard.
• Europe (including the UK and Ireland): Left side is standard across most brands.
• Middle East: Predominantly left, following European/North American sourcing.
• China: Generally left, aligned with most global LHD conventions.
• Japan: Commonly right; wiper stalk usually on the left.
• Australia and New Zealand: Often right, though some European imports are left.
• India: Frequently right, but mixed depending on brand and model origin.
• Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia): Often right, with European imports sometimes left.
• South Africa: Mixed; many right, some left depending on manufacturer lineage.
• Hong Kong and Singapore: Typically right, with occasional European exceptions on the left.

Exceptions are common, especially with imported or globally unified models. Always verify with the specific vehicle rather than assuming a regional rule.

Notable manufacturer tendencies

Brands tend to follow their primary engineering base or adapt to the region they sell in. The points below describe general tendencies you are likely to encounter.

• European brands (e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Volvo, Stellantis/Opel/Peugeot): Usually keep the indicator on the left in most markets, including right-hand-drive regions like the UK.
• Japanese brands (e.g., Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru): Often adapt to local norms—left in Europe and North America, right in Japan and many right-hand-drive markets.
• Korean brands (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis): Commonly align with the region’s norm—left in Europe/North America; right in many right-hand-drive Asian/Oceania markets—though some models may vary.
• American brands (Ford, GM/Chevrolet): Typically left-side globally, mirroring North American convention.
• British brands (Jaguar Land Rover, MINI): Generally left-side in line with broader European practice, despite being sold largely in right-hand-drive UK.

These tendencies are not absolute. Mid-cycle updates, platform sharing, and market-specific builds can produce variations even within the same brand or model line.

Quick ways to confirm on your vehicle

If you’re unsure which side your turn signal is on, the following simple checks will help you confirm quickly without guesswork.

1. Look for arrow icons: The indicator stalk is usually marked with left/right arrows near the steering column.
2. Check the owner’s manual: Control placement diagrams are typically in the “Instruments and Controls” section.
3. Search your model online: Photos or PDFs of the manual often show stalk placement for your exact trim/year.
4. Sit in the vehicle and test: With ignition on, gently move each stalk up/down; the turn indicators flash on the dash and exterior when you’ve found it.

Verifying in your specific car takes seconds and avoids confusion with the wiper stalk, which is commonly on the opposite side.

Special cases

Motorcycles

Most modern motorcycles place the turn-signal switch on the left handlebar cluster, operated by the left thumb. Notable exceptions include many Harley-Davidson models, which use separate left- and right-side buttons on their respective handlebars. Some bikes feature auto-cancel systems, but the switch location remains consistent with the brand’s design language.

Heavy trucks and buses

Commercial vehicles typically follow the prevailing regional norm (left in Europe and North America; often right in Japan-influenced RHD markets), but fleets with mixed origins can vary. Drivers switching between units should always perform a quick familiarization check.

Imports and conversions

Parallel/gray imports and personal imports often keep their original market layout. For example, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars brought into the UK or Australia commonly retain a right-side indicator stalk, while European cars imported into Japan typically keep a left-side stalk.

Safety note

If you regularly alternate between vehicles with different stalk placements, take a moment at startup to rehearse the indicator control. Confusing the indicator with the wiper stalk is common after a switch and can distract you at critical moments.

Summary

Most cars place the turn-signal stalk on the left, especially in Europe, North America, and China. In many right-hand-drive markets influenced by Japan—such as Japan itself, Australia, New Zealand, India, and parts of Southeast Asia—the stalk is often on the right. Because exceptions are common, confirm by checking the vehicle’s icons, manual, or a quick hands-on test.

Are blinkers always on the left side?

Most vehicles have a turn signal lever located on the left side of the steering column, within easy reach of your left hand.

Are indicators always on the left?

All modern cars I’ve driven have the indicators on the left, wipers on the right. My 1991 Honda Civic has it the other way around, as other people have mentioned it was often the case in previous years with Japanese cars.

Which way is right on a turn signal?

And push the turn signal in the same. Direction. Just like that as you can see the right turn signal has activated. And in this car there’s actually a right turn signal.

Is the signal on the left or right?

The turn signal is a long lever behind your steering wheel on the left side.