there was a time I didn’t know the proper hand signal for a right turn. I thought waving vaguely toward the curb was enough. That is, until one rainy night along EDSA when my motorcycle’s signal light gave up, and a driver behind me honked like his life depended on it.
That close call made me realize: road communication isn’t just about honking or flashing lights—it’s about clear, universal signals. And in the Philippines, that includes one old-school but still vital gesture: the proper hand signal for a right turn.
🖐️ So, What Is the Proper Hand Signal for a Right Turn?
According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the proper hand signal for a right turn is:
Left arm bent at the elbow, hand pointing upward. ✅
That’s option (a) if you’ve seen it on a test.
This signal dates back to when turn indicators weren’t standard yet—but even today, it’s a life-saver. Drivers of motorcycles, bicycles, and even vehicles with malfunctioning signal lights still rely on it.
Here’s a quick refresher:
| Movement | Hand Signal | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn | Left arm bent at elbow, hand pointing up | Clearly visible to drivers behind you |
| Left Turn | Left arm held straight in horizontal position | Simple, unmistakable direction cue |
| Stop/Slow Down | Left arm held down, hand pointing to ground | Warns vehicles behind to decelerate |
🧭 Why These Hand Signals Still Matter in 2025
We’re surrounded by modern vehicles with built-in sensors, LED signal lights, and even dashboard reminders. But out there on the road—especially in provinces or in sudden brownouts—manual signals still bridge the gap when tech fails.
According to LTO statistics (2024), 27% of recorded minor road collisions involved motorcycles or bicycles. Many of these accidents were caused by miscommunication between motorists—one driver assuming, another misunderstanding.
Meanwhile, a World Health Organization (WHO) report notes that low- and middle-income countries like the Philippines account for 93% of global road deaths, despite having fewer vehicles. That’s a sobering reminder that awareness, not just infrastructure, saves lives.
💡 Did You Know?
Even if your car has working signal lights, hand signals are still required under Philippine traffic law.
The LTO’s Driver’s Handbook states that hand signals “shall be used when electrical signals fail or are not visible to other road users.”
So the next time your signal light bulb goes kaput on SLEX, don’t panic—raise that arm confidently. You’re not “old school,” you’re road smart.
🚴♂️ A Personal Reminder From the Road
I once saw a tricycle driver in Quezon City extend his arm up with perfect form before turning right. I remember thinking: He’s doing everything right in a world that often forgets the basics.
Meanwhile, a car behind him still swerved abruptly—clearly clueless about what that signal meant. It was a small moment, but it reminded me of how disconnected we sometimes are on the road.
If every driver knew (and respected) these small gestures, we’d probably save hundreds of fenders—and maybe even lives—every month.
📋 The 3-Step “Signal Smarter” Habit Challenge
Want to make your daily drive or ride safer and smoother? Try this short challenge.
1️⃣ Observe for One Day
Notice how many drivers actually use their signal lights or hand signals correctly. You might be surprised how rare it is.
2️⃣ Practice for Three Days
Whenever you make a turn or change lanes, consciously signal 3–5 seconds before the move. Add hand signals if visibility is low or you’re on a bike.
3️⃣ Pass It On
Teach someone—a family member, a co-rider, or your kid—what each signal means. It’s the kind of small habit that grows safer communities.
🛑 When You Don’t Signal, You Don’t Just Break the Law
Failing to use proper hand or light signals isn’t just unsafe—it’s a traffic violation under LTO guidelines.
Drivers can be fined ₱1,000 to ₱5,000 for “reckless driving” or “discourteous behavior” depending on the incident. And if the lapse causes an accident, the penalties (and insurance headaches) climb fast.
In other words: that tiny flick—or that upward arm—is cheaper than any repair bill.
🌅 Reflecting on Respect and Responsibility
Driving, at its heart, is a form of communication. Every turn signal, brake light, or arm wave says, “Hey, I’m sharing the road with you.”
So next time you make that right turn, remember:
The proper hand signal for a right turn—left arm bent, hand pointing up—isn’t just a rule. It’s a simple act of respect that could prevent chaos, confusion, and collisions.
Maybe road safety isn’t about more rules—it’s about more reminders that we’re all in this journey together.