Your turn signal stops working mid-trip. What should you do?

HAND SIGNALS are legally recognized substitutes for vehicle turn signals in all US states and are required knowledge for every driver's license applicant.

When to use hand signals: When turn signals are inoperative (bulb out, electrical fault); when driving a vehicle not equipped with turn signals (antique vehicles, bicycles, etc.); in some situations where signals might not be visible. THE THREE HAND SIGNALS — USING THE LEFT HAND OUT THE WINDOW:

Left turn: Arm extended straight out horizontally to the left.

Right turn: Arm bent upward at the elbow — forearm pointing straight up, hand pointing up.

Stop/slow down: Arm bent downward at the elbow — forearm pointing straight down, hand pointing down.

How to use them: Roll down the window; extend the left arm out before the maneuver (same timing as turn signal); after completing the turn, withdraw the arm and resume normal driving.

Practical limitations: Hand signals can be difficult to see in heavy rain, at night, or in bright sunlight; they require taking one hand off the wheel; they are legally sufficient but less practical than vehicle signals.

Important: A broken turn signal should be repaired as soon as possible. Driving regularly with inoperative signals is a vehicle equipment violation in most states, separate from the signaling obligation.