Ask a Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I have some new drivers in our house. We got talking the other day and they didn’t know what “hand signals” were. Can you write about that to help inform others that might not be aware?
Answer: Congratulations on the new drivers. That is an exciting and concerning time as you help them get more experience and confidence as they undergo the process.
When the signal is given by means of the hand and arm the driver shall indicate intention to start, stop, or turn by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and these signals shall indicate as follows:
• left turn: hand and arm extended horizontally
• right turn: hand and arm extended upward, except that a bicyclist or motorcyclist may extend the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle or motorcycle.
• stop or decrease speed: hand and arm extended downward.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).