Giving signals

Signals tell other road users you’re changing your direction or position on the road. Knowing when and how to give signals is an important part of being a safe driver. 

Drivers usually signal using their indicators. However, you may sometimes need to use hand signals if your indicators can’t be seen.

When to give signals

You must signal for at least 3 seconds before you:

• turn left or right
• move towards the left or right – for example, when changing lanes
• stop or slow down
• move out:
  • from a parking space
  • to pass another vehicle
  • to change lanes.

Signalling when turning right

Signalling at roundabouts

Using your indicators

Indicators tell other road users what you’re going to do. Front indicators are yellow or white. Rear indicators are yellow or red.

Use your left indicator when you're:

• turning left
• moving towards the left – for example, when you pull back into the left lane after passing another vehicle or when returning to the kerb.

Use your right indicator when you're:

• turning right
• moving towards the right – for example, when moving out of a parking space.

Right-turn hand signal

Right indicator

Stopping

Your brake lights, the red lights at the back of your vehicle, let people behind you know that you’re slowing down or stopping. Brake lights come on automatically when you use the brake pedal (footbrake). Keep your foot on the brake pedal to keep the brake light on to warn other drivers.

Stop or slowing hand signal

Brake lights

Tip: tapping the brake pedal will flash the brake lights to warn other drivers.

Hazard lights

When you turn on your hazard lights, both indicator lights flash at the same time as a warning to other road users. You should turn on your hazard lights when your vehicle becomes a temporary hazard to other road users, such as when:

• you’re changing a tyre on the side of the road
• your vehicle has broken down and is being towed.