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uk Transport & mobility emergencies indicators stopped working • turn signals not working • no indicators before driving • blinkers broken before setting off • signal lights failure • indicator relay clicking fast • hazards work but indicators don’t • both indicators not working • one side indicators not working • indicator bulb blown • blown fuse indicators • stalk switch not working • flashing too fast indicators • no turn signal sound • can’t signal turns • arm signals car uk • hand signals when indicators fail • noticed before leaving

What to do if…
your indicators or turn signals stop working and you notice before setting off

Short answer

Don’t drive unless you can make the trip safely without working indicators. If you absolutely must move the car (for example, to a nearby repair), only do so if conditions are low-risk and you can clearly use Highway Code arm signals.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t assume “it’s probably fine” because the car still drives normally — other road users rely on your signals.
  • Don’t use hazard warning lights as a substitute for turning or lane changes while moving.
  • Don’t set off on fast or complex roads (motorways, busy multilane junctions, heavy traffic) if you can’t reliably communicate your intentions.
  • Don’t drive at night, in heavy rain/fog, or when you can’t safely and clearly signal from the vehicle.
  • Don’t keep “testing” the indicators repeatedly while rolling — sort it while stationary.

What to do now

  1. Pause and decide: “Can this wait?”
    If this journey isn’t essential, don’t drive. Rebook, take public transport/taxi, or delay until repaired.
  2. Do a quick, safe check while parked (1–2 minutes).
    • Try left, right, and hazards.
    • Walk around the car (or ask someone) to confirm whether any indicator lamps are working (front/rear/side repeaters).
    • Note what’s failing: one side only, both sides, hazards also dead, or rapid “hyper-flash” (often a bulb issue on many vehicles).
  3. If it looks like one failed lamp and you can fix it safely and quickly, do that first.
    If you know how and it’s genuinely quick/safe, replace the failed bulb. If you’re not sure, skip this and go to step 4.
  4. Arrange repair before you travel.
    • Book a garage/mobile mechanic or ask a nearby garage if they can do a same-day check.
    • If your car has roadside assistance, use it — “indicators not working” is a clear safety fault to report.
  5. If you must move the car a short distance (only if low-risk): use Highway Code arm signals only if they will be clearly visible.
    • Keep it daylight-only, short route, slow roads, and avoid roundabouts/multilane.
    • Use the Highway Code arm signals (as illustrated on GOV.UK):
      • Left turn / move left: left arm straight out.
      • Right turn / move right: right arm straight out only if practical and clearly visible to others.
      • Slow/stop: use the Highway Code slow/stop arm signal (only if you can do it safely and it will be seen).
    • If you cannot signal clearly and consistently, do not drive — get help where you are instead.
  6. If hazards and indicators are both out, treat it as “do not drive” unless you can safely get help where you are.
    This can indicate a wider electrical fault, and you’ll also have less ability to warn others if you need to stop.
  7. Assume this needs fixing promptly (including for MOT purposes, where indicators are required).
    A missing or inoperative direction indicator lamp is treated as a Major defect in the MOT inspection manual (where indicators are required), so prioritise repair before normal driving.

What can wait

  • You do not need to diagnose the exact electrical cause right now.
  • You do not need to research relays, wiring diagrams, or modules today.
  • You do not need to make long-term decisions about the car right now.

Important reassurance

It’s very common to spot this right before leaving — and it’s sensible to stop and reassess. Choosing not to drive until you can signal safely is a calm, practical safety decision.

Scope note

These are first steps to keep you and others safe and get you to repair/support. Later troubleshooting and costs depend on the specific vehicle and fault.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal or mechanical 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.

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