Motorcycle hand signals are an important means for communication between riders, especially in situations where talking is difficult due to the noise of engines or helmets. It serves as a universal language among riders, allowing them to maintain effective communication without relying on verbal communication or technology, making it an important part of every rider’s arsenal.
In the Philippines, where motorcycles are a common mode of transportation, understanding and using hand signals can enhance safety and promote smooth traffic flow. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on long-distance journeys, incorporating these hand signals into your riding repertoire is essential for safe, efficient, and enjoyable riding experiences, whether riding alone or in a group, and contributes to improved communication and camaraderie among riders. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 50 common motorcycle hand signals used in the Philippines, along with detailed descriptions of each signal.
Motorcycle Hand Symbols
Before we get into the common hand signals, it’s best to understand that there are several categories of hand signals currently being used by riders on the road. The different motorcycle hand signals listed below are some of the most commonly used ones on the road. We also included a description of how they are done, as well as the meaning behind each hand signal under each category.
The Basics
This refers to the basic gestures that form the foundation of motorcycle communication.
Stop
This signal involves extending the left arm straight out with the palm facing downward to indicate that the rider is coming to a complete stop.
Slow Down
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward, then moving the hand up and down in a patting motion. This signal alerts other riders to reduce speed.
Speed Up
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing upward, then moving the hand up and down in a pushing motion. This signal indicates the desire to increase speed.
Turn Signals
In addition to using motorcycle indicators, clear communication of turning intentions is also expressed using hand signals to supplement their intentions.
Turn Left
This signal involves extending the left arm out horizontally with the palm facing downward. This signal indicates the intention to make a left turn.
Turn Right
This signal involves extending the left arm out horizontally with the palm facing upward. This signal indicates the intention to make a right turn.
Turning Around
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing backward and motion in a circular motion. This signal indicates the intention to turn around.
U-Turn
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing upward and motion in a U-shaped motion. This signal indicates the intention to make a U-turn.
Lane Positioning
Motorcyclists often adjust their lane positioning to communicate intentions or respond to road conditions.
Oncoming Traffic
Point with the left index finger to the opposite side of the road. This signal warns of oncoming traffic.
Merge Right
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion toward the right side. This signal indicates the intention to merge to the right.
Merge Left
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion toward the left side. This signal indicates the intention to merge to the left.
Clear to Pass
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the index finger pointing upward and motion in a circular motion. This signal indicates that it’s safe to pass.
Lane Change Right
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion toward the right side, then point to the right. This signal indicates the intention to change lanes to the right.
Lane Change Left
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion toward the left side, then point to the left. This signal indicates the intention to change lanes to the left.
Watch Out for Road Narrows
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a narrowing motion. This signal warns of the road narrowing ahead.
Watch Out for Sharp Curve
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a curving motion. This signal warns of a sharp curve ahead.
Hazard Signals
Alerting other riders to potential hazards is also essential for collective safety.
Hazard on Road
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward, then point to the hazard with the index finger. This signal alerts other riders to a potential danger on the road.
Road Obstruction
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward, then sweep the hand across the body. This signal indicates an obstruction on the road.
Slow Down for Speed Bumps
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a bouncing motion. This signal indicates the presence of speed bumps ahead.
Watch Out for Animals
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a hopping motion. This signal warns of animals on the road.
Watch Out for Debris
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a sweeping motion across the body. This signal warns of debris on the road.
Watch Out for Potholes
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a tapping motion. This signal warns of potholes on the road.
Watch Out for Pedestrians
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a walking motion. This signal warns of pedestrians crossing the road.
Watch Out for Cyclists
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a circular motion. This signal warns of cyclists on the road.
Watch Out for Vehicles Pulling Out
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a pulling motion. This signal warns of vehicles pulling out from side streets or driveways.
Watch Out for Construction Zone
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a hammering motion. This signal warns of construction zones ahead.
Watch Out for Slippery Roads
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a sliding motion. This signal warns of slippery road conditions.
Watch Out for Fallen Rocks
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a throwing motion. This signal warns of fallen rocks on the road.
Watch Out for Low Clearance
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a lowering motion. This signal warns of low clearance ahead.
Watch Out for High Winds
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a waving motion. This signal warns of high winds on the road.
Watch Out for Blind Spot
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a sweeping motion behind the back. This signal warns of a blind spot.
Watch Out for Emergency Vehicles
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a flashing motion. This signal warns of approaching emergency vehicles.
Watch Out for Railway Crossing
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a crossing motion. This signal warns of a railway crossing ahead.
Watch Out for Traffic Light
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a stopping motion. This signal warns of a traffic light ahead.
Watch Out for School Zone
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a book opening motion. This signal warns of a school zone ahead.
Watch Out for Road Works
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a digging motion. This signal warns of road works ahead.
Watch Out for Animals Crossing
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in an animal walking motion. This signal warns of animals crossing the road.
Watch Out for Loose Gravel
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a gravel tossing motion. This signal warns of loose gravel on the road.
Watch Out for Roadside Petrol Stations
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a pumping motion. This signal warns of roadside petrol stations or gas stations, where riders may need to refuel their motorcycles.
Watch Out for Fallen Branches
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion in a branch snapping motion. This signal warns of fallen branches on the road.
Group Riding
In group riding scenarios, effective communication is key to coordination and safety.
Follow Me
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing backward and motion toward the body. This signal indicates that the rider wants others to follow.
Single File
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the index finger pointing upward. This signal indicates that riders should move into a single file line.
Double File
This signal involves extending both arms out horizontally with the index fingers pointing outward. This signal indicates that riders should ride side by side.
Group Stop
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing upward and motion toward the body. This signal indicates a group stop.
Follow Close
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing downward and motion toward the body, then repeatedly bend the elbow. This signal indicates to follow closely behind the lead rider.
Emergency Signals
During emergencies or breakdowns, specific signals can help convey the urgency of the situation.
Emergency Stop
This signal involves extending both arms out horizontally and wave them up and down rapidly. This signal indicates an emergency stop.
Lost Rider
Tap the helmet with an open palm. This signal indicates that a rider is lost or needs assistance.
Need Assistance
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing upward and motion toward the body. This signal indicates the need for assistance.
Miscellaneous Signals
Additional hand signals cover a range of scenarios encountered during motorcycle travel.
Fuel Stop
Tap the helmet with an open palm. This signal indicates the need to stop for fuel.
Rest Stop
This signal involves extending the left arm out with the palm facing upward and motion toward the body. This signal indicates the need for a rest break.
Police Ahead
Tap the top of the helmet with an open palm. This signal warns of a police presence ahead.
By familiarizing yourself with these motorcycle hand signals used by riders in the Philippines and incorporating them in your rides, you’ll be better equipped to communicate effectively with fellow riders which hopefully helps you in navigating various road conditions safely.
Video: Motor Hand Signals for Drivers Philippines
Please check out this video of motor hand signals in Philippines for your safety and to avoid accidents on the road.
Summary
Mastering the motorcycle hand signals, especially the most commonly used ones, is an essential skill for motorcycle riders. It is also useful if you want to enjoy safe and efficient riding, especially in the Philippines where road conditions can be unpredictable. By understanding and using common motorcycle hand signals, riders can communicate effectively with each other without engaging in verbal conversations. Needless to say, having this knowledge in your riding repertoire is a valuable skill every rider must have. It’s also part of the LTO exams for drivers, so there’s no harm in learning them. So, learn them now if you haven’t yet and see the difference for yourself next time you take your motorcycle for a spin.