Riding a motorcycle isn’t just about speed and freedom—it’s about communication and safety. Since motorcycles lack the signal lights of cars, hand gestures become your voice on the road. Clear, universally recognized signals help you avoid misunderstandings and prevent accidents. Here are ten essential hand signals every rider should know for safe and smooth communication.

Left or Right Turn

These signals let drivers know you’re preparing to make a left turn, which helps avoid confusion, especially if you’re in the middle of traffic or at a busy intersection. Extend your left arm straight out horizontally with your palm facing forward. Not extending the arm fully or doing it too late can confuse others or make the signal less visible.

Stop

It’s essential to alert drivers behind you that you’re slowing down or coming to a stop. Notably, it is extremely important if your brake lights aren’t as visible or if you’re making an emergency stop. Extend your left arm downward at a 45-degree angle with your palm open and facing the rear. This is like a downward high-five motion.

Lane Change

A proper signal lets others know they should adjust their speed or position. So, if you want to change your lane to the right or left, extend the corresponding straight out to the side, similar to the left or right turn signal. However, in this case, you want to make sure it’s clear you’re just shifting lanes, not turning.

Speed Up

When leading a pack of riders, this signal is important when you want to indicate that the group should increase their speed. You should stretch your arm out to the side, then repeatedly swing it upward in an upward arc motion similar to a come-on gesture. If the motion is too subtle, others might not notice it, or they may interpret it as an aggressive gesture.

Slow Down

This signal warns riders behind you that you’re about to slow down gradually and prevents abrupt braking that could cause pile-ups, especially in group rides or heavy traffic. Use your arm and extend it with the palm facing down. Then, move your hand up and down in a slow, controlled motion. Make sure the motion is deliberate and large enough to be seen.

Hazard in the Road

Do you see an obstacle that can hinder other riders? If the hazard is on the left, point your left arm toward the road, and if the hazard is on the right, stretch your right leg to point at the hazard. This signal warns other riders or drivers about debris, potholes, or other hazards that could affect their ride.

Follow Me

If you’re leading a group ride or guiding them through unfamiliar areas, learning this gesture should be on top of your list. Move your arm upward while keeping your palm open and facing forward. Then, make a sweeping motion to signal for others to follow. When you fail to move your hand properly, it will confuse riders about who’s leading the ride. 

You Lead

Do you want someone else to lead the group? This move will ensure a smooth transition in leadership without the need for verbal communication. Point forward with your index finger, then sweep your hand toward the rider you want to lead. It will signal another rider to take the lead, which can be useful when someone is more familiar with the route or road conditions.

Comfort Stop

In group rides, communication is needed to coordinate pit stops without causing confusion. Move your arm upward to make a fist and pump it in the air a few times. The signal will indicate that you must take a break, whether for fuel, rest, or other reasons. Note that not signaling for a comfort stop early enough can result in disorganized stopping.

Need Help Signal

When you see this hand gesture, it indicates mechanical trouble, a flat tire, or any emergency that requires attention. You should keep your arm straight out with a clenched fist and shake it like knocking on a door. It’s an important call for assistance that lets other riders know that you need to pull over for help and you might fall behind.