Motorcycle Hand Signals

These bikes have evolved over the years and now incorporate some of the features you would find in other vehicles. One thing that hasn’t changed is the use of motorcycle hand signals. As a licensed driver, it is already required to know some of the basic hand signals, but motorcycle riders have quite a few that can be used when riding solo or within a group. Granted, most motorcycles do have the proper indicator lights, but it is still wise to be familiar with the hand signals. You never know what unexpected situations you may end up in.

Your signaling lights may fail, and you may be unaware of the problem. Using hand signals in conjunction with your indicator lights regularly will ensure that you will always have a backup.

Hand signals are great not only for riders to know but also for any other motorist who shares the road with them. If you are in a vehicle that is trailing a motorcycle, you need to know what the motorcycle rider is trying to tell you.

They can be stopping, turning, or warning you of a situation up ahead. A good tip to know is that all hand signals are used on the left side of whatever vehicle you are in. Drivers in the United States drive on the left side of the car. If a motorcyclist is signaling, it is easier to see the movement than to overlook it on the right side, possibly.

MOTORCYCLE HAND SIGNALS

RIGHT TURN:
When making a right turn, extend your left arm out—next, bend it at the elbow, creating a 90-degree angle. Make sure you’re making a closed fist. Some people may think it makes more sense to use the right arm to do this, but that is incorrect. Using your right arm instead of the left may confuse fellow motorists and cause a hazard.

LEFT TURN:
When making a left turn, extend your left arm out and point your palm downwards. This motion is pretty easy to understand, considering you are turning left and using your left hand to indicate that direction. 

STOP:
When coming to a stop, extend your left arm and turn your palm to face backward. It is a universal fact that holding up a hand means to stop. When riding a motorcycle and maneuvering, you can’t face the people behind you to signal that you are coming to a stop. So, this is a safe way to alert them using the same concept as raising your hand.

TURN SIGNAL ON:
Take your left hand and open and close it. This creates a “blinking” movement with your hand instead of a signaling light and alerts fellow motorists that you will be turning soon.

HAZARD IN THE ROADWAY:
Extend your left arm with your index finger pointing towards the ground, and take your right foot and point it towards the ground as well. This signal alerts other motorists to potential road obstructions or an accident ahead.

MOTORCYCLE HAND SIGNALS FOR GROUP RIDERS

PULL OFF:
Extend your left hand and wave it in a vertical motion toward your body. When riding in a group, the lead rider can use this signal to indicate when to “pull off”, ensuring everyone leaves at the same time.

COMFORT STOP:
Extend your left arm. Close your hand into a fist and wave it up and down. Sometimes you need to take a quick break. In a group, it is impossible to yell what you are trying to do. So, this signal alerts everyone that a break is needed.

SLOW DOWN:
Extend your left arm. Do a downward movement with your palm facing down. If, for any reason, the group needs to slow down, the lead rider can give the signal to everyone, and they can then lower their speed.

SPEED UP:
With your left arm extended, do an upward movement with your palm facing up. Just like with the “slow down” signal, this signal allows the lead rider to let the whole group know to pick up the pace.

SINGLE FILE LINE:
Take your left arm, extend it up, and have your index finger pointing up. If, for some reason, everyone needs to line up, the lead rider can signal to everyone ahead of time so that they can get into position, one behind the other.

DOUBLE FILE LINE:
Take your left arm, extend it up, and have your index and middle fingers pointing upward, just like the “single file” signal. This is a way for the leader to get the group into two lines.

FUEL STOP:
Take your left hand and point your index finger towards the fuel tank. Most vehicles on the road run on some fuel. This means the tanks have to be refilled at some point. This signal informs the group that a fuel stop is approaching.

REFRESHMENT STOP:
Take your left hand, make a fist, and place your thumb to your mouth. Everyone needs nourishment, and sometimes during a long ride, you will get thirsty. This signal lets the group know that there will be a stop for refreshments and possibly food.

FOLLOW ME:
Extend your left arm upward and have your palm facing forward. This signals to other riders in the group that you are the leader and they should follow you.

YOU TAKE THE LEAD:
Place your left arm at a 45-degree angle and wave it from front to back while pointing your index finger. This signal is a way to give someone else the lead.

POLICE UP AHEAD:
With your palm facing down, tap on the top of your helmet. This is a heads-up that the police are up ahead, and to some, it can be used as a signal that high beams are on. If the lead rider signals oncoming traffic with their highbeams, it can prevent the rest of the group from being temporarily blinded by the lights..

Motorcycles are pretty different from traditional automobiles. You’re on two wheels instead of four, riding on it instead of driving it, and you’re exposed to the elements without any overhead protection. Aside from the obvious physical aspects, motorcycles can be a means of daily transportation, just like a car, truck, or SUV.

Over the years, there have been other hand signals created and used by motorcyclists. Sometimes groups have their own secret signals aside from the basic universal ones. Most of the time, these hand signals are used only among the riders in that group, while universal hand signals are still used to signal other motorists. Either way, we all have to share the road. Being able to communicate with each other can make our journeys much safer for all motorists, regardless of the vehicle.

Source:
Motorcycle Legal Foundation: (https://www.motorcyclelegalfoundation.com/motorcycle-hand-signals-chart/)

Riding in a Group: https://www.permit.bike/riding-in-a-group/