PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Transport & mobility emergencies

What to do if…
your turn signals or indicators stop working before you set off

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Do not start a normal journey with failed indicators. If the trip is not essential, delay it and arrange repair; only consider moving the car a short distance if it is necessary, simple, and you can clearly communicate every movement.

Do not do these things

  • Do not assume it is fine because the car still drives normally; other road users rely on your signals.
  • Do not use hazard warning lights as a substitute for turning, changing lane, or pulling out while moving.
  • Do not set off onto motorways, fast roads, busy roundabouts, multilane junctions, or heavy traffic if you cannot signal reliably.
  • Do not drive at night, in fog, heavy rain, or poor visibility with failed indicators.
  • Do not keep testing the indicators while rolling; check them while parked.
  • Do not improvise hand signals if other road users will not clearly see them.

What to do now

  1. Stop the journey plan for a moment.
    If the journey can wait, do not drive. Rebook, take public transport, use a taxi, ask for a lift, or delay until the indicators are repaired.

  2. Check the fault while parked.
    Try left, right, and hazard warning lights. Walk around the car, or ask someone outside the car, to check the front, rear, and side indicator lamps. Note what is happening: one lamp out, one side out, both sides out, hazards also out, or the dashboard arrow clicking or flashing unusually fast.

  3. Fix only a simple, safe lamp issue before travelling.
    If you can safely replace a failed bulb immediately and you know the correct bulb and method for your vehicle, do that while parked. If you are unsure, stop there and arrange help rather than dismantling parts at the roadside.

  4. Arrange repair before normal driving.
    Contact a garage, mobile mechanic, or roadside assistance provider and say the indicators are not working. Tell them whether hazards work, whether one side or both sides have failed, and whether any lamp flashes unusually fast.

  5. If the car is blocking something or must be moved a very short distance, keep the move minimal.
    Use the simplest nearby safe place or repair location only. Keep to daylight, slow roads, and a route with as few turns as possible. Avoid roundabouts, multilane roads, fast roads, and traffic where unclear signalling could put others at risk.

  6. Use Highway Code arm signals only if they are safe and visible.
    Check the GOV.UK Highway Code arm-signal illustrations before moving. Use them only for the purpose shown, only if you can keep full control of the vehicle, and only if other road users can clearly see the signal. If you cannot signal clearly, do not drive; get help where the car is.

  7. Treat failed hazards and failed indicators as a stronger reason not to move.
    If both the hazard warning lights and indicators are out, you have even less ability to warn other road users. Arrange roadside assistance, a mobile mechanic, or recovery instead of trying to drive.

  8. Treat the fault as something that needs prompt repair.
    For most cars, direction indicators and hazard warning lamps are checked in the MOT. Where required, a missing or inoperative direction indicator lamp is listed as a Major defect, so do not leave this for normal driving.

What can wait

  • You do not need to diagnose the exact electrical fault right now.
  • You do not need to research relays, wiring diagrams, control modules, or fuses before making the immediate safety decision.
  • You do not need to decide whether to keep or sell the car today.
  • You do not need to complete the original journey just because you had planned it.

Important reassurance

Noticing the fault before setting off is a good catch. Pausing, delaying the trip, and getting the indicators repaired is a practical safety decision, not an overreaction.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce immediate road risk and help you get the vehicle repaired. Later decisions about diagnosis, repair cost, recovery, insurance, or vehicle condition may need a qualified mechanic or another relevant specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, mechanical, financial, or professional advice. If you cannot communicate your intentions clearly to other road users, the safest choice is to delay the trip and get the vehicle repaired.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

Support us