About riding

Giving signals

Signals enable you to tell other road users that you are changing your direction or position on the road. Because of this, knowing when and how to give signals is a very important part of being a safe road user.

When to give signals

You must signal for at least three seconds before you:

  • turn left or right
  • move towards the left or right (for example, when you pull back into the left lane after passing another vehicle)
  • stop or slow down
  • move out:
    • from a parking space
    • to pass another vehicle
    • to change lanes.

For information about signalling at roundabouts, see Signal use at roundabouts.

Signalling when turning right

Signalling when turning right

Use your left indicator or hand signal when you are:

  • turning left
  • moving towards the left (for example, when you pull back into the left lane after passing another vehicle or returning to the kerb).
Signalling left Left-turn hand signal

Signalling left                             Left-turn hand signal

Use your right indicator or hand signal when you are:

  • turning right
  • moving towards the right (for example, when moving out of a parking space).
Signalling right Right-turn hand signal

Signalling right                             Right-turn hand signal


Important

Remember to turn off your indicator once you've completed your manoeuvre. If you don't, drivers may think you plan to turn and they may pull into your path. It's a good idea to regularly check your instrument panel to see if you have left your indicator on.

Stopping

Use your brake lights or hand signal to let people behind you know that you are slowing down or stopping. Brake lights are operated by the brake levers. You can help others see you by flashing your brake lights. Tap or pull the front brake lever several times, taking care not to actually apply the brakes. Do this if the drivers behind haven't seen you.

Stop lights Stop or slowing hand signal

            Stop lights                             Stop or slowing hand signal

Hazard lights

If your motorcycle has hazard lights (that is, when all your indicators flash at the same time), you should use them when your vehicle becomes a temporary hazard to other road users, such as when:

  • you have to stop on the side of the road because of a problem with your motorcycle
  • your vehicle has broken down and is being towed.

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Last updated: 5 October 2009