There are three main hand signals that every motorist and cyclist should become familiar with: Left turn, right turn, and slowing down/stopping.

To indicate a left turn, extend your left arm out sideways with all your fingers extended. Alternatively, you can put your left arm out sideways and use your index finger to point left instead.

Since drivers in the U.S. sit on the left side of the car, indicating a right turn is a little tricky and takes getting used to. If you’re planning to turn right, extend your left arm out sideways, bent upwards 90 degrees angle at the elbow. Your hand should be pointing up with your palm facing forward.

There is also an alternative right turn, where you can extend your right arm straight with all fingers extended or use your index finger to point right. However, this is typically reserved for cyclists, motorists, or motorists with passengers since this requires your right arm.

When slowing down or coming to a stop, extend your left arm out sideways and bend your arm downwards at a 90-degree angle, with your hand pointing down and your palm facing backward. (Think of this as the reverse angle of the right turn signal.)