Arm signals — Mississippi Permit Test

Arm signals are used by bicyclists, by motorists whose signal lights are not working, and by drivers of some antique vehicles and farm equipment.

When the blinkers fail, your arm is the only way left to tell others what you will do.

Arm Signals are used by bicyclists, motorists whose signal lights are malfunctioning, and drivers of some antique vehicles and farm equipment.

When using arm signals, extend your arm fully and signal continuously for at least 100 feet before you slow down, turn, stop, or change lanes.

A quick wave is easy to miss, so the signal has to stay out long enough to be seen.

If you are using arm signals, be sure to extend your arm fully and signal continuously for at least one hundred feet before you slow down, turn, stop, or change lanes.

To signal a left turn by hand, extend your arm and hand straight out.

Drivers behind you need to know which way you will go, and each turn has its own arm signal.

LEFT TURN: Extend your arm and hand straight out.

The straight-out arm signal is also used when changing from the right lane to the left lane, or when starting from a parallel parking position.

Pulling out from the curb moves you left into traffic, so it takes the same signal as a left turn.

This signal is also used when changing from the right lane to the left lane or when starting from a parallel parking position.

To signal a right turn by hand, extend your arm and hand upward, with the arm bent at the elbow.

Your right arm is on the far side of the car, so the left arm points up to show a right turn.

RIGHT TURN: Extend your arm and hand upward, with your arm bent at the elbow.

The upward arm signal is also used when changing from the left lane to the right lane, or when preparing to enter a parallel parking space.

Moving right toward the curb is a right-hand move, and drivers behind expect the right-turn signal.

This signal is also used when changing from the left lane to the right lane or when preparing to enter a parallel parking space.

To signal that you will slow down or stop, extend your arm and hand downward with your palm facing the rear.

Without brake lights, the car behind gets no warning that you are about to stop.

SLOW DOWN OR STOP: Extend your arm and hand downward, with your palm facing the rear.

When might a car driver need to use arm signals?

When the signal lights are not working. When the blinkers fail, your arm is the only way left to tell others what you will do. Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p.42: “Arm Signals are used by bicyclists, motorists whose signal lights are malfunctioning, and drivers of some antique vehicles and farm equipment.”