Sharing the road
A motorcycle ahead has had its turn signal blinking for several blocks without turning. What should you keep in mind?
- On most motorcycles the signal does not cancel itself, so it may be on by mistake. Correct answer
- The rider is signaling that you may pass, so you can go around it in its lane.
- The rider must turn at the next intersection, so you can plan on it.
Why
Car signals usually switch off after a turn, but on most motorcycles the directional signal stays on until the rider cancels it, so a blinking signal may mean nothing at all. Treat it as uncertain: do not assume the rider will turn, and do not assume the rider will not. Motorcycle signals are also harder to notice than a car's, because they often sit close to the headlight or taillights. The second option fails twice, because a signal is not an invitation and because you may never share a motorcycle's lane space when you pass. The third treats a possibly forgotten signal as a promise. A motorcycle's blinker tells you what the rider might do, not what the rider will do.
Where this comes from
New York State Driver's Manual (MV-21), April 2026 version. The correct answer is On most motorcycles the signal does not cancel itself, so it may be on by mistake.
- Chapter 11 / Sharing the Road › Motorcyclists, page 71
- Chapter 6 / How to Pass, page 39
More on sharing the road
- Why is following a motorcycle closely especially risky?
- The car in the lane next to yours has stopped at a crosswalk, but you cannot see anyone crossing. What should you do?
- You are about to get out of your car after parking along a street where bicyclists ride. What should you do before opening the door?
- You are on a divided highway. On the opposite side of the median, a school bus has stopped with its red lights flashing. What must you do?