When should a rider use hand signals?

Using hand signals is crucial for communicating your intentions to other road users, especially when you are turning or stopping but are not using your motorcycle's turn signals. Hand signals serve as a visual cue that can help prevent misunderstandings or accidents, as they are often more visible to other drivers than a motorcycle's turn signals in certain situations.

While it is advantageous to use hand signals when riding in a group to ensure all riders are aware of each other’s actions, and they can be beneficial at any time during the day, the primary focus should be on signaling your actions clearly when you are not relying on electronic signals. On highways, where higher speeds and closer quarters might lead to greater risk of collision, using hand signals becomes even more important to communicate with surrounding vehicles.