Motorcycle Hand Signals

Courtesy of John "Iron Butt" Huber

Start Engines

Start Engines

With your right or left arm extended, move your index finger in a circular motion.

Left Turn

Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow fully extended.

Left Turn)
Right Turn

Right Turn

Raise your left arm horizontal with your elbow bent 90° vertically.

Hazard Left

Extend your left arm at a 45° angle and point towards the hazard.

Hazard Left

Hazard Right A

Extend your right arm at a 45° angle and point towards the hazard.

Hazard Right B

Extend your left arm upward at a 45° angle with your elbow bent to 90 °s and point towards the hazard over your helmet.

Speed Up

Speed Up

Raise your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward. This indicates the leader wants to speed up.

Slow Down

Extend your left arm at
a 45° angle and move your hand up and down.

Slow Down
Stop

Stop

Extend your left arm at
a 45 ° angle with the
palm of your hand facing rearward.

Single File

Position your left hand over your helmet with your fingers extended upward. This indicates the leader wants the group in a single file formation. Usually this is done for safety reasons.

Single File
Staggered Formation

Staggered Formation

Extend your left arm upward at a 45° angle with your index and pinkie finger extended. This indicate that it is safe to return to staggered formation.

Tighten Up

Raise your left arm and repeatedly move up and down in a pulling motion. This indicates the leader wants the group to close ranks.

Tighten Up
Pissed Off

Pissed Off

Extend your left arm straight out with your elbow bent 90°. Carefully extend your middle finger to clearly demonstrate your dissatisfaction with the other guy. Note: it is not recommended you do this when you are alone.