Michigan Bike Hand Signals: What You Need To Know
In Michigan, bicyclists are required by state law (MCL 257.648) to use bike hand signals when turning left, turning right, or stopping. The law requires a bicyclist to determine that the turn or stop can be made safely and to signal that intention before turning or stopping from a direct line. Failure to signal can give insurance companies grounds to allege comparative negligence against an injured bicyclist.
Requirements for Michigan Bike Hand Signals
| Signal | How To Do It |
|---|---|
| Left Hand Turn | Extend left arm straight out horizontally |
| Right Hand Turn | Extend left arm upward at 90° (or right arm straight out) |
| Stop / Slow Down | Extend left arm downward at 90°, palm facing back |
As the table above indicates, Michigan law requires you to confirm it’s safe and then signal your intention before you turn or stop, giving motorists clear notice of your movement.
How Do You Use Bike Hand Signals In Michigan?
Under Michigan law, before a bicyclist who is riding on the roadway turns or stops, he or she must (1) make sure it is safe to do so and (2) give a bike hand signal using his or her hand and arm to indicate whether he or she is turning right, turning left or stopping. (MCL 257.648(1) and (2))
More On State Laws
Left turn hand signal
- To show that he or she is going to make a left turn, a bicyclist “shall extend his or her left hand and arm horizontally.” (MCL 257.648(4)(a))
Right hand turn signal
- In Michigan, the bike hand signal to show that he or she is going to make a right turn, a bicyclist “shall extend his or her left hand and arm upward,” i.e., raise your left arm with your elbow bent upward at a 90 degree angle and your hand and fingers pointed toward the sky. (MCL 257.648(4)(b))
- A right-hand turn may also be signaled by the bicyclist extending “his or her right hand and arm horizontally.” (MCL 257.648(4)(b))
Stopping or slowing hand signal
- To show that he or she intends to stop (or decrease speed) their bicycle, a bicyclist “shall extend his or her left hand and arm downward,” i.e., raise your left arm with your elbow bent downward at a 90 degree angle and your hand and fingers pointed toward the pavement. (MCL 257.648(4)(c))
Sample Video
In short, here are the basic hand signals that all bicyclists need to know to stay safe:
Most cyclists understand the importance of wearing a helmet, and it is one of the best things you can do to reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash. But safe cycling involves more than protective gear. Knowing and using proper bike hand signals is one of the most important ways to communicate with drivers and reduce the risk of collisions on Michigan roads.
Riding a bicycle safely is every cyclist’s responsibility, and learning how to ride defensively can go a long way toward preventing bicycle-car accidents. That includes understanding and using the proper signals required by state law to clearly communicate your intended movements to motorists.
SAFETY TIP: Drivers of cars and motorcyclists whose brake lights are not working can also use the same signals.
LAWYER TIP: I’m now seeing defense insurance lawyers in Michigan bicycle-car accident lawsuits alleging comparative fault and putting comparative negligence on the verdict forms for an injured bicyclist not using bike hand signals – even when it is clear that fault lies with the driver of the car.
Important Michigan Bicycle Laws to Know
Beyond bike hand signals, Michigan law requires bicyclists to follow several additional rules of the road that affect both safety and legal liability in a crash.
| Michigan Bicycle Law | Requirement | MCL Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Ride with Traffic | Ride on the right-hand side of the road, in the same direction as traffic | MCL 257.660a |
| Yield to Pedestrians | Always yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning when passing | MCL 257.660b |
| Night Equipment | Front white light visible from 500 feet; red rear reflector required | MCL 257.662 |
| Group Riding | May ride side-by-side but no more than two abreast | MCL 257.660a |
Failure to comply with any of these laws can affect your legal rights if you are injured in a bicycle-car accident. Insurance companies and defense attorneys regularly use traffic violations by bicyclists — including riding against traffic or failing to use proper lighting — to argue comparative negligence and reduce or eliminate compensation.
Are Bike Hand Signals Legally Required for Bicyclists in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan bike law (MCL 257.648) requires bicyclists to hand signal before turning or stopping.
- When it applies: Before any left turn, right turn, or stop while riding on the roadway
- Safety condition: The bicyclist must first confirm the movement can be made safely before signaling and turning
- Legal risk: Failing to signal can support a traffic violation and give insurers grounds to allege comparative negligence in a bicycle-car accident claim
Because many bicycle-car crashes occur when a motorist claims they did not know the bicyclist intended to turn or stop, using proper hand signals can help prevent collisions and strengthen your legal claim if an accident occurs. If you are injured in a collision, evidence that you complied with the applicable traffic laws may help demonstrate that you exercised reasonable care and reduce the likelihood that an insurance company or defense attorney will argue you were comparatively negligent.
What Do Bike Hand Signals Mean In Michigan?
Michigan bike hand signals are standardized arm gestures cyclists use to communicate intended movements to drivers and other road users. The three required signals under MCL 257.648 are: a left arm extended horizontally for a left turn, a left arm bent upward at 90° (or right arm extended) for a right turn, and a left arm bent downward at 90° for a stop or speed reduction. The signals exist because bicycles have no built-in brake lights or turn signals, making arm gestures the only legal way for a cyclist to communicate intentions on a shared roadway.
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Written By
Steve M. Gursten,
Attorney,
License#: P53632
Steven Gursten, attorney at Michigan Auto Law and one of the most successful auto accident attorneys in Michigan. Michigan Auto Law represents people seriously injured in car, truck, motorcycle, and bus accidents, including catastrophic injury, traumatic brain injury, and No-Fault insurance cases. Steven has recovered the largest reported auto and truck accident settlement of any Michigan lawyer, and has been named Michigan Lawyer of the Year and a Top 50 Michigan Super Lawyer.
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