Illinois laws regulate and detail how drivers are supposed to act in traffic. These are so-called “Rules of the Road“, part of which explains how to properly, lawfully and safely use turn signals.

In a business or residential area, a driver must give a continuous turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning. In other areas, the signal must be given at least 200 feet before turning. A driver may signal in two ways:

Electrical turn signals

A driver should apply the right-turn signal for a right turn and the left-turn signal for a left turn.

Hand and arm signals

A driver should give the signal using the left arm. For a right turn, the hand and arm are extended straight up. For a left turn, the hand and arm are extended straight out to the left.

To slow down or stop, the hand and arm are extended down.