How should cyclists signal turns in Utah?

The Utah Code describes the legal signal by hand at Sec 41-6-71. The Uniform Motor Vehicle Code provision to allow bicyclists to use a right-handed right turn signal has not yet been adopted in the Utah Code. All signals must be made from the left side of the vehicle: Hand and arm up for a right turn; hand and arm extended horizonally for a left turn; and hand and arm downward for slowing or stopping.

Here is an adaptation of a Utah Safety Council illustration showing signals that communicate your intention in a way that is compatible with cycling posture:

Right Turn Signal

The state law requires a right turn signal to have the following characteristics: (41-6-71-2) from the left side of the vehicle, "hand and arm extended upward"

It would be ideal if the state legislature would approve the easily understood right-handed right-turn signal for bicyclists, as has been done in many other states. In the meantime, don't dislocate your shoulder trying to perform a motorist-style left-handed right turn signal out of an imaginary car window.

Left Turn Signal

A left turn signal is fairly intuitive, pointing with your index finger can help to convey your intentions. The state law describes the left turn signal thus: (41-6-71-1) from the left side of the vehicle, "hand and arm extended horizontally".

Remember that the turn signal does not magically clear the way for you. You should always look for, and yield to, overtaking traffic.

Stop Signal

Extending the straight arm out on a downward diagonal, with the open hand facing back, makes a comfortable, understandable signal that complies with the description in the law: (41-6-71-3) from the left side of the vehicle, "hand and arm extended downward". Don't try to bend your arm as if you had an imaginary car door in the way.

When to Signal

Remember that signals are intended to give advanced notice to other travellers of your intentions. Signal as far before your maneuver as would be useful to others so that they may smoothly anticipate and respond to your change of speed or direction. The vehicular law (41-6-69-(1)(b)) requires you to signal at least 3 seconds before beginning your maneuver; the special bike regulation (41-6-87.7-(2)) requires you to signal during the last 100 feet before beginning the maneuver. Remember that you do not need to signal during your turn and you do not need to signal when you need to use your hand to control or operate your bicycle. Finally, remember that signals do not magically clear the way; you must yield to conflicting traffic.

How to turn left

Utah law provides two ways for cyclists to make a left turn at an intersection.

Vehicular style(41-6-66.(2)) - After checking for overtaking traffic and yielding, if required, the cyclist should signal and then move to the leftmost lane for traffic moving in the same direction. From that position, yield to any oncoming traffic and any cross traffic that may have prior claim to right-of-way. When the way is clear, the cyclist should turn left into the leftmost lane proceeding in the new direction and yield and signal if necessary before changing lanes to a travel position "as near as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway" (41-6-87) .
Pedestrian style (41-6-87.5(2)(b)) - Approach the intersection as close as practicable to the right. Proceed across the intersection after yielding if required. Stop at the far curb as far out of traffic as practical. Yield to any traffic in either direction and obey any traffic control devices and then proceed in the new direction as far to the right as practicable.
Illegal - There is no legal provision for the cyclist to cross to the left curb on approach to the intersection, turn the corner against the left curb and then cross back to the right side of the road. Oncoming right-turning traffic will not be on guard for your illegal movement in this unexpected position.

Go back to my Bike Rules page.
I also have information for cyclists about riding on the right and the dangers of sidewalk riding.