Most dangerous moments when changing lanes or turning come from other road users not knowing what you plan to do, or from you not knowing a vehicle is right beside you. This guide brings together the advice in the Utah Motorcycle Operator Handbook 2024 (United States), rules 103, 104, 133 and 161 of the UK Highway Code on GOV.UK, and the Honda Vision (NSC110CBF) owner’s manual published by Honda Vietnam.
Quick answer: how to change lanes safely on a motorcycle
Table of contents12
- Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre: the routine set out in Highway Code rule 161.
- Do a head check for blind spots before changing lanes, because mirrors alone are not enough.
- Signal for every turn or lane change, even when you think nobody else is around.
- Cancel the signal after the turn; on a Honda Vision, push the turn signal switch to switch it off.
- Flash the brake light before slowing where drivers behind may not expect it.
Changing lanes step by step
The table sums up each step and its source:
| Step | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Check mirrors | Know what is behind and beside you; make sure nobody is about to pass you | Utah handbook; Highway Code 133, 161 |
| Head check | Glance to the side to cover the blind spot, including the far lane on a wide road | Utah handbook; Highway Code 133 |
| Signal | Signal clearly and in good time, without misleading anyone | Highway Code 103; Utah handbook |
| Move when clear | Do not force another road user to change course or speed | Highway Code 133 |
| Cancel the signal | Stop others thinking you are about to turn again | Utah handbook; Highway Code 103 |
Check your mirrors often and understand convex mirrors
The Utah handbook says that while what is ahead matters most, you cannot afford to ignore what is behind. Make frequent mirror checks part of your routine, especially when you are stopped at an intersection, before you change lanes and before you slow down. Most motorcycles have convex mirrors: they give a wider view than flat mirrors but make cars seem farther away than they really are.
- Practise judging distance: while stopped, pick out a parked car in the mirror, estimate how far it is, then turn round and check.
- Allow extra distance before changing lanes, even once you are used to the mirrors.
- Adjust the mirrors before you ride; see checking motorbike mirrors step by step.
Head checks for blind spots
The Utah handbook is clear that checking your mirrors is not enough: motorcycles have blind spots like cars. Before you change lanes, turn your head and look to the side. On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, check the far lane as well as the one next to you, because a driver in the distant lane may head for the same space. Highway Code rule 161 also reminds you that mirrors do not cover every area, so look round to check the blind spots.
- Take a quick sideways glance, as rule 133 describes, then look ahead again.
- Do not ride alongside cars or trucks in the next lane: you may sit in their blind spot, so speed up or drop back; see motorcycle truck blind spots.
- When a vehicle merges from a slip road, give it room, change lanes if one is open, or adjust your speed to open a gap.
Turn signals: early, clear and cancelled
The Utah handbook says signals matter even more for riders: use them any time you change lanes or turn, even when you think no one is around, because your signal lights make you easier to spot. Once you have turned, make sure the signal is off, or a driver may pull into your path thinking you plan to turn again. Highway Code rule 103 asks for clear signals in plenty of time, checking the signal is not misleading, and cancelling it after use. The Honda Vision manual also tells riders to use the turn signal before turning or changing lanes so that others notice them.
- Signal first, then change direction.
- On a Honda Vision, push the turn signal switch to cancel it once the turn is done.
- Do not trust other drivers’ signals blindly: rule 104 warns that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled, so only proceed when it is safe.
- Test the indicators before riding; see checking lights and horn before riding.
Flash your brake light before slowing
The Utah handbook notes that a motorcycle brake light is usually less noticeable than a car’s. If the situation allows, flash your brake light before you slow down, especially when you slow more quickly than others might expect, when you slow where others may not expect it, such as in the middle of a block or at an alley, and when you are stopped at an intersection with traffic approaching from behind. Highway Code rule 103 also points out that brake lights warn traffic behind that you are slowing down.
- Squeeze the brake lightly a few times so the light flashes before you slow down for real.
- If someone is tailgating, flash the brake light before slowing and leave more space ahead; see motorcycle following distance.
- When stopped at a junction, watch the mirrors for vehicles coming up from behind.
Turning into a nearby driveway: avoid misleading signals
The Utah handbook gives an example: you signal to turn into a nearby driveway, but the driver behind thinks you will turn at a more distant intersection and does not expect you to slow so soon. So check your mirrors before slowing and time your signal so it does not mislead anyone, in line with Highway Code rule 103.
- If there is another turning before the one you want, signal once you have passed it so drivers behind are not confused.
- Take a suitable lane position before turning; see motorcycle lane position.
- Combine the signal with a brake light flash so drivers behind know you are about to slow.
If you rent from Mr Tú – Old Quarter Motorbike Rental, try the indicator switch, horn and brake light as soon as you collect the bike so you know where every control is before you ride into town.
FAQ: changing lanes and signalling
Do I still need a head check if I have used my mirrors?
Yes. The Utah handbook says motorcycles have blind spots like cars, so before changing lanes you should turn your head and look to the side rather than rely on the mirrors alone.
Why do cars in my mirror look farther away than they are?
Most motorcycles have convex mirrors, which give a wider view but make cars seem farther away; practise judging distance and allow extra room when changing lanes.
Is it dangerous to forget to cancel my indicator?
Yes. According to the Utah handbook, a driver may pull directly into your path thinking you plan to turn again. On a Honda Vision, push the turn signal switch to cancel it.
Should I signal on an empty road?
The Utah handbook says to signal even when you think no one else is around, because signal lights make you easier to spot.
Sources: Utah Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division – Motorcycle Operator Handbook 2024 (Signals; Brake light; Using your mirrors; Head checks; Vehicles alongside; Merging vehicles); GOV.UK – The Highway Code, rules 103, 104, 133 and 161; Honda Vietnam – Vision NSC110CBF owner’s manual (safety guidance; turn signal switch). Checked on 13/11/2026.
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