15 motorcycle hand signals every rider should know

Turn signals don't always cut it—especially in a group. To show a left turn, hold your left arm straight out. For a right turn, bend your left arm at a 90-degree angle with your fist up.

Extend your left arm down at a 90-degree angle with your palm facing back. It’s a simple way to give everyone time to react—no guesswork needed.

To signal single-file, raise your left arm up with one finger pointed up. For side-by-side, raise two fingers. While both formations are useful, riding in a staggered formation is often the safest option in most road conditions.

Extend your left arm out, palm down, and move it up and down. It’s a heads up for tight curves, construction zones, or debris ahead.

Palm up, left arm out—move your hand upward in a lifting motion. Use this to let your group know it’s OK to pick up the pace.

Raise your left arm and point toward the shoulder or side of the road. It signals an unplanned stop ahead.

Point to your fuel tank with your left hand. A quick gesture that helps the group plan the next fuel stop.

Raise your left fist near your helmet, thumb pointing toward your mouth. It’s the universal sign for ‘Let’s eat’—or at least rehydrate.

Need a break? Extend your left arm and pump your fist up and down. It signals the need to stretch or regroup.

Point to the hazard with your left hand if it’s on the left side of the road, or use your right foot if it’s on the right. It helps keep everyone alert and safe on the road.

Make a fist with your left hand and repeatedly open and close your fingers, mimicking a flashing light. Use this to tell a rider their headlight, taillight, or turn signal isn’t working.

Raise your left arm and move it in a circular motion above your head, like a lasso. It signals riders to close gaps and ride tighter for safety—typically before entering heavy traffic or a tricky section of road.

Point over your shoulder with your left thumb. This is commonly used in group rides when it's time for a lead change or position rotation.

Point directly at the rider, then back at yourself. This switch-in-command cue can help a more experienced rider take the lead—or let a fresher one set the pace.

Pat your side or mimic a tug at your own bag to signal that someone’s gear is loose. It’s a quick heads-up that can help prevent lost items or road hazards.

Group riding works best when everyone’s dialed in—whether you’re leading the pack, riding mid-group, or bringing up the rear. Before you take off, talk through these hand signals with your crew. You don’t need to memorize them all—just agree on the basics so no one’s left guessing.

Some riders also use Bluetooth or helmet comms, but hand signals always work—battery or no battery.

Hand signals help you stay connected and alert in a group ride. Motorcycle insurance plays a different role—it helps you stay ready for the unexpected.

Dairyland^®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, offers motorcycle insurance designed to fit how you ride—with flexible and affordable coverage options.