Signalling

Signal to warn others of your intention and to help other road users.

Remember that people could be using the road in a variety of ways.

Road users include

• drivers of other motor vehicles
• drivers of large or slow-moving vehicles
• motorcyclists
• users of powered mobility vehicles
• cyclists
• pedestrians
• horse riders
• crossing supervisors
• road workers
• persons directing traffic.

Signal clearly and in good time.

Give only the signals shown in The Highway Code.

Direction indicator signals

Help other road users to understand your intention by

• signalling in good time, so that they have time to see and react to your signal
• positioning yourself correctly and in good time for the manoeuvre you intend to make.

Conflicting signals

A signal with the left indicator means ‘I am going to turn left’ or ‘I am going to stop on the left’.

Avoid using your left indicator before a left-hand junction if you intend to stop on the left just after the junction. A driver waiting at that junction might think you’re turning left and drive out into your path.

• Wait until you’ve passed the junction, then indicate that you intend to stop.
• Reduce speed by braking gently, so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you.

If you’re waiting to emerge and a vehicle seems to be indicating its intention to turn left, wait until you can see that it’s actually going to turn before you pull out. Otherwise, you might drive into its path.

Warning signals

The horn

There are very few situations in which you’ll need to use the horn.

Using the horn doesn’t

• give you priority
• mean you don’t have to drive safely.

Sound it only if

• you think someone may not have seen you
• you want to warn other road users of your presence; for example, at blind bends or junctions.

Avoid using a long blast on the horn, as this can alarm pedestrians. If a pedestrian doesn’t react to a short signal on the horn, it could mean they’re deaf. If possible, avoid sounding the horn near animals; it may increase the danger because their reaction will be unpredictable.

Never use your horn to signal your unhappiness at another driver’s actions.

Don’t use it to attract the attention of someone at the side of the road, to signal your arrival to someone, or as a farewell.

Unless a moving vehicle poses a danger, it’s illegal to use your horn

• when stationary
• when driving at night (11.30 pm to 7.00 am) in a built-up area.

Flashing your headlights

This is an alternative to the horn and has the same meaning: to warn others that you’re there.

Don’t flash your headlights at anyone to indicate that they should go ahead or turn.

If someone flashes their headlights at you

Before you act on the signal, make sure

• you understand what they mean
• the signal is meant for you.

Never assume it’s a signal to proceed.

Ask yourself

• What’s the other driver trying to tell me: ‘Stop’, ‘Go’, ‘Turn’, ‘Thank you’?
• If I move, will it be safe?
• Is the signal intended for me or for another road user?
• Am I causing a hold-up by staying where I am?
• Is the other driver really signalling, or were those headlights flashed accidentally?

Take your time and watch for other road users who may think the signal was for them.

On motorways and dual carriageways

If you think a warning is necessary, flashing your headlights is usually better than using your horn. Be alert for such warnings from other drivers.

If a driver behind starts flashing their headlights and driving dangerously close

• stay calm
• don’t be intimidated.

Move back to the left as soon as you can do so safely, without cutting in on vehicles that you’ve overtaken.