Should the Left or Right Turn Signal Be Used When Reversing?

[Parker]

Reversing requires the use of the right turn signal. The act of a motor vehicle moving backward is defined as reversing. For large buses: Tests include pole parking, stopping and starting on a slope, parallel parking, crossing a single-plank bridge, navigating curves, making right-angle turns, passing through a narrow gate, traversing continuous obstacles, driving on bumpy roads, making U-turns on narrow roads, as well as simulations for highways, continuous sharp turns on mountainous roads, tunnels, rainy (foggy) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling. For small cars: Tests include reverse parking, stopping and starting on a slope, parallel parking, navigating curves, and making right-angle turns for small automatic transmission vehicles, small automatic transmission passenger vehicles for disabled individuals, and low-speed cargo vehicles. For three-wheeled vehicles: Tests include pole parking, stopping and starting on a slope, and crossing a single-plank bridge for ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, and light motorcycles.

[StJoy]

Regarding whether to signal left or right when reversing, I think it depends on which direction you're backing into. Having driven for over a decade, my principle for signaling during reversing is simple: signal left when the rear of the car is moving left, and signal right when it's moving right. If you're just reversing straight back, there's actually no need to use the turn signal at all. For a practical example, when backing into a parking spot in a residential area, if the spot is on your right, you should turn on the right turn signal to let the electric scooter behind you understand your intention. Essentially, turn signals are meant to indicate which direction the car is moving, and this applies to reversing as well. Remember to activate the signal two or three seconds in advance—don't wait until you've already started turning the steering wheel to signal, as the cars behind won't have time to react. One last reminder: when reversing, keep checking both side mirrors and the rearview camera—don’t just focus on one spot.

[JuniperMarie]

This is how I usually reverse: when I turn the steering wheel to the left, I turn on the left turn signal, and when I turn to the right, I turn on the right turn signal. The main purpose of using the signals this way is to let other vehicles and pedestrians clearly see my reversing path and avoid collisions. This is especially important in places like shopping mall parking lots, where shopping carts suddenly appearing are all too common. In fact, turn signals are referred to as 'vehicle light signals' in traffic regulations, and the same principle applies whether moving forward or backward—you signal in the direction your vehicle is turning. If you encounter a parallel parking situation where you need to reverse at an angle, it's best to signal in advance to inform others of your intended path. The most common mistake beginners make is focusing solely on the steering wheel while reversing and forgetting that the direction of the rear of the car is changing, leading to missed signals. It's advisable to develop the habit of scanning the surroundings before reversing, signaling when necessary, and honking the horn when appropriate.

[JulianAnn]

The key to signaling while reversing lies in direction, not position. Simply put: turn the steering wheel left, signal left; turn right, signal right. Once in a parking lot, I avoided a collision by signaling correctly while backing out. A neighboring car was about to pull out when I signaled right while reversing right, prompting them to stop. Turn signals are essentially indicators of movement direction, especially crucial when reversing to communicate intent. Additionally, no signal is needed for straight-line reversing, but always ensure rear safety. With older cars, pay extra attention to the turn signal lever position, as some models may accidentally activate signals during reversing. Modern cars now come with trajectory prediction systems, where reversing guidelines rotate with steering, making it easier to determine the right moment to signal.