{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/46.2-849.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/46.2-849.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/46.2-849.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/46.2-849.html"}],"law_id":57778,"edition_id":1,"section_id":57778,"structure_id":14784,"section_number":"46.2-849","catch_line":"How signals given","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 46-234; 1954, c. 15; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-217; 1981, c. 585; 1989, c. 727; 2001, c. 834; 2002, c. 254; 2004, cc. 947, 973; 2019, c. 780.","full_text":"A\n\nSignals required by \u00a7 46.2-848 shall be given by means of the hand and arm or by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the Superintendent, in the manner specified in this section. Whenever the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate his intention to start, stop, turn, or partly turn by extending the hand and arm beyond the left side of the vehicle in the manner following:1\n\nFor left turn or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder;2\n\nFor right turn or to pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward;3\n\nFor slowing down or stopping, the arm shall be extended downward.B\n\nWherever the lawful speed is more than 35 miles per hour, such signals shall be given continuously for a distance of at least 100 feet, and in all other cases at least 50 feet, before slowing down, stopping, turning, or partly turning.C\n\nA person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter shall signal his intention to stop or turn. Such signals, however, need not be given continuously if both hands are needed in the control or operation of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter.D\n\nNotwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, a person operating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter may signal a right turn or pull to the right by extending the right hand and arm in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder beyond the right side of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter and may signal slowing down or stopping by extending the right arm downward.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":211602,"text":"Signals required by \u00a7 46.2-848 shall be given by means of the hand and arm or by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the Superintendent, in the manner specified in this section. Whenever the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver shall indicate his intention to start, stop, turn, or partly turn by extending the hand and arm beyond the left side of the vehicle in the manner following:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":211603,"text":"For left turn or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":211604,"text":"For right turn or to pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":211605,"text":"For slowing down or stopping, the arm shall be extended downward.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"B"},"4":{"id":211606,"text":"Wherever the lawful speed is more than 35 miles per hour, such signals shall be given continuously for a distance of at least 100 feet, and in all other cases at least 50 feet, before slowing down, stopping, turning, or partly turning.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"C"},"5":{"id":211607,"text":"A person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter shall signal his intention to stop or turn. Such signals, however, need not be given continuously if both hands are needed in the control or operation of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"6":{"id":211608,"text":"Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, a person operating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter may signal a right turn or pull to the right by extending the right hand and arm in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder beyond the right side of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter and may signal slowing down or stopping by extending the right arm downward.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14784,"edition_id":1,"name":"Signals by Drivers","identifier":"6","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12875,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:49:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:49:52","permalink":{"id":230853,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14784,"identifier":"6","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/6","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12875,"edition_id":1,"name":"Regulation of Traffic","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12827,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":230189,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12875,"identifier":"8","token":"46.2\/III\/8","url":"\/46.2\/III\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12827,"edition_id":1,"name":"Operation","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12770,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:55","permalink":{"id":228597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12827,"identifier":"III","token":"46.2\/III","url":"\/46.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12770,"edition_id":1,"name":"Motor Vehicles","identifier":"46.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":225289,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12770,"identifier":"46.2","token":"46.2","url":"\/46.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":56566,"structure_id":14784,"section_number":"46.2-848","catch_line":"Signals required on backing, stopping, or turning","url":"\/46.2-848\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/6\/46.2-848","metadata":false},{"id":57778,"structure_id":14784,"section_number":"46.2-849","catch_line":"How signals given","url":"\/46.2-849\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/6\/46.2-849","metadata":false},{"id":86726,"structure_id":14784,"section_number":"46.2-850","catch_line":"Change of course after giving signal","url":"\/46.2-850\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/6\/46.2-850","metadata":false},{"id":75327,"structure_id":14784,"section_number":"46.2-851","catch_line":"Signals prior to moving standing vehicles into traffic","url":"\/46.2-851\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/6\/46.2-851","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":56566,"structure_id":14784,"section_number":"46.2-848","catch_line":"Signals required on backing, stopping, or turning","url":"\/46.2-848\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/6\/46.2-848","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":86726,"structure_id":14784,"section_number":"46.2-850","catch_line":"Change of course after giving signal","url":"\/46.2-850\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/6\/46.2-850","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/46.2-849\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 8 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1954, chapter 15; in 1958, chapter 541; in 1981, chapter 585; in 1989, chapter 727; in 2001, chapter 834<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 254<\/a>; in 2004, chapters 947<\/a> and 973<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 780<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":80603,"section_number":"46.2-1038","catch_line":"When turn signals required; exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1038\/"},{"id":68552,"section_number":"46.2-1039","catch_line":"Requirements of turn signals; regulations","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1039\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":56566,"section_number":"46.2-848","catch_line":"Signals required on backing, stopping, or turning","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-848\/"}],"permalink":{"id":230859,"object_type":"law","relational_id":57778,"identifier":"46.2-849","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/6\/46.2-849","url":"\/46.2-849\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/46.2-849\/","token":"46.2\/III\/8\/6\/46.2-849","dublin_core":{"Title":"How signals given","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 46.2-849","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Signals required by \u00a7 46.2-848<\/a> shall be given by means of the hand and arm or by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the Superintendent<\/span>, in the manner specified in this section. Whenever the signal is given by means of the hand and arm, the driver<\/span> shall indicate his intention to start, stop, turn, or partly turn by extending the hand and arm beyond the left side of the vehicle<\/span> in the manner following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> For left turn or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> For right turn or to pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> For slowing down or stopping, the arm shall be extended downward. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Wherever the lawful speed is more than 35 miles per hour, such signals shall be given continuously for a distance of at least 100 feet, and in all other cases at least 50 feet, before slowing down, stopping, turning, or partly turning. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device<\/span>, electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span>, moped<\/span>, or motorized skateboard or scooter<\/span> shall signal his intention to stop or turn. Such signals, however, need not be given continuously if both hands are needed in the control or operation of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device<\/span>, electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span>, moped<\/span>, or motorized skateboard or scooter<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, a person operating a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device<\/span>, electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span>, moped<\/span>, or motorized skateboard or scooter<\/span> may signal a right turn or pull to the right by extending the right hand and arm in a horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder<\/span> beyond the right side of the bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device<\/span>, electric power-assisted bicycle<\/span>, moped<\/span>, or motorized skateboard or scooter<\/span> and may signal slowing down or stopping by extending the right arm downward. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nHOW SIGNALS GIVEN (\u00a7 46.2-849)\n\nA. Signals required by \u00a7 46.2-848 shall be given by means of the hand and arm\nor by some mechanical or electrical device approved by the Superintendent, in\nthe manner specified in this section. Whenever the signal is given by means of\nthe hand and arm, the driver shall indicate his intention to start, stop, turn,\nor partly turn by extending the hand and arm beyond the left side of the vehicle\nin the manner following:\n\n 1. For left turn or to pull to the left, the arm shall be extended in a\n horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder;\n\n 2. For right turn or to pull to the right, the arm shall be extended upward;\n\n 3. For slowing down or stopping, the arm shall be extended downward.\n\nB. Wherever the lawful speed is more than 35 miles per hour, such signals shall\nbe given continuously for a distance of at least 100 feet, and in all other\ncases at least 50 feet, before slowing down, stopping, turning, or partly\nturning.\n\nC. A person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device,\nelectric power-assisted bicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter shall\nsignal his intention to stop or turn. Such signals, however, need not be given\ncontinuously if both hands are needed in the control or operation of the\nbicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted\nbicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter.\n\nD. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, a person operating\na bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted\nbicycle, moped, or motorized skateboard or scooter may signal a right turn or\npull to the right by extending the right hand and arm in a horizontal position\nstraight from and level with the shoulder beyond the right side of the bicycle,\nelectric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle,\nmoped, or motorized skateboard or scooter and may signal slowing down or\nstopping by extending the right arm downward.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 46-234; 1954, c. 15; 1958, c. 541, \u00a7 46.1-217; 1981, c.\n585; 1989, c. 727; 2001, c. 834; 2002, c. 254; 2004, cc. 947, 973; 2019, c. 780.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}