In crashes with motorcyclists, drivers often say they never saw the motorcycle. This guide explains how to choose your position within the lane and the habits that help others notice you earlier: headlight, signals, brake light, mirrors, head checks and horn, based on the Motorcycle Operator Handbook of the Utah Driver License Division (USA). In Vietnam, always use the lane intended for motorbikes as shown by road markings and signs; the principles below apply within the lane you are allowed to use.
Quick answer: where should you ride in the lane?
Table of contents12
- There is no single fixed position: choose the part of the lane where you can see and be seen best, with space around you.
- Never ride in another vehicle’s blind spot.
- Keep your headlight on, day and night: the Utah handbook cites studies showing a motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to be noticed during the day.
- Signal every turn and lane change, and cancel the signal once you have turned.
- Flash your brake light, check mirrors, do head checks and be ready to use your horn.
Why motorcycles get overlooked
The Utah Motorcycle Operator Handbook 2024 explains:
- Small outline: from ahead or behind, a motorcycle’s outline is smaller than a car’s.
- It is hard to see what you are not looking for, and most drivers are not looking for motorcycles.
- Smaller vehicles appear farther away than they are, so drivers often pull out in front of motorcyclists, thinking they have plenty of time.
- Pretend you are invisible: the handbook says this mindset keeps you alert and makes you notice more details around you.
The three positions within a lane
The Utah handbook divides each lane into three paths: left, centre and right. No portion of the lane needs to be avoided; change position as traffic changes.
| Situation | Position to choose | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles or hazards on your left only | Centre or right part of the lane | Utah |
| Hazards on your right only | Left or centre part of the lane | Utah |
| Vehicles on both sides | The centre is usually the best option | Utah |
| Wet road | Be careful with the centre strip, where oil drippings from cars collect | Utah |
| Following a car | Where the driver can see you in the inside rear-view mirror | Utah |
The handbook lists what your lane choice should achieve: see and be seen better, avoid blind spots, avoid surface hazards, communicate your intentions, avoid windblast from other vehicles, keep an escape path and set up for turns. See also motorcycle following distance, truck blind spots and riding in strong crosswinds.
Headlight and turn signals
- Keep the headlight on at all times: according to the Utah handbook, studies show a motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to be noticed in daylight. Use low beam at night and in fog.
- Signal every lane change or turn, even when you think no one is around; your signal lights also make you easier to spot.
- Cancel the signal after turning: otherwise a driver may pull into your path, thinking you plan to turn again.
Using your lights after dark is covered in riding a motorcycle at night.
Flash your brake light before slowing
A motorcycle’s brake light is usually less noticeable than a car’s. The Utah handbook advises flashing your brake light before you slow down, when the situation allows, especially when:
- You slow more quickly than others might expect, such as turning off a fast road.
- You slow where others may not expect it, such as mid-block or at an alley.
- You are stopped at an intersection with traffic approaching from behind.
- You are being followed closely: the tailgater may be watching you and not see a hazard ahead.
Mirrors and head checks
- Check your mirrors often, especially when stopped at an intersection, before changing lanes and before slowing down.
- Convex mirrors give a wider view but make vehicles behind seem farther away than they are; practise judging distance while stopped.
- Turn your head before changing lanes, because motorcycles have blind spots too. On a road with several lanes, check the far lane as well.
Mirror set-up is covered in motorbike mirrors in Vietnam.
Horn and visible clothing
- Give a quick beep before passing anyone who may move into your lane, such as a driver following the vehicle ahead too closely, a parked car with someone in the driver’s seat, or a pedestrian or cyclist in the street.
- In an emergency, sound your horn loud and long, and be ready to stop or swerve.
- Wear bright colours: the handbook notes that most crashes occur in daylight and that your body is half of the visible surface of the rider and motorcycle; see hi-vis motorcycle gear.
When you need to pass, read how to overtake on a motorcycle. If you rent from Mr Tú – Old Quarter Motorbike Rental, check the headlight, signals, brake light and horn when you collect the bike.
FAQ: motorcycle lane position
Should a motorcycle ride in the centre or at the edge of the lane?
There is no fixed position. The Utah handbook recommends the part of the lane where you are most likely to be seen and can keep space around you; with vehicles on both sides, the centre is usually best.
Should I ride with my headlight on during the day?
The Utah handbook recommends keeping the headlight on at all times and cites studies showing a motorcycle with its light on is twice as likely to be noticed during the day.
Why flash the brake light on a motorcycle?
Because a motorcycle brake light is usually less noticeable than a car’s. Flashing it before slowing helps drivers behind see that you are about to slow down.
Are mirrors enough before changing lanes?
No. The Utah handbook says motorcycles have blind spots too, so turn your head and look to the side before changing lanes.
Sources: Utah Driver License Division – Motorcycle Operator Handbook 2024 (Lane positions; Increasing conspicuity: Clothing, Headlight, Signals, Brake light, Using your mirrors, Head checks, Horn). Checked on 13/11/2026.
Comments