Snowmobile Hand Signals

"One Good Turn Deserves Another"

Being able to communicate became of the utmost importance the very instant that a second of anything comes into being. This was true of people and certainly snowmobiles. Snowmobilers are much like scuba divers in that their environment is not yet fully conducive to voice communication with everyone, so we have to rely on hand signals.

Many years ago, the standard hand signals for Stop, Leftand Right Turn and Slowing were developed and accepted as the standards. In recent years with the enormous increase in snowmobile trails and touring, it became apparent that there was a need to develop and standardize additional hand signals for these particular needs. Hence the following:

Left Turn Left arm extended straight out from shoulder and pointing in the direction of the turn.

Right Turn Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical with palm of hand flat.

Stop Left or Right arm raised from the shoulder and extended straight up over the head with palm of hand flat.

Slowing Left arm extended out and down from the side of the body with a downward flapping motion of hand to signal warning or caution

Oncoming Sleds Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical, wrist bent, move arm from left to right over head, pointing to right side of trail.

Sleds Following Arm raised, elbow bent with thumb pointing backward, in "hitch-hiking" motion, move arm forward to backward over your shoulder.

Last Sled in Line Raise forearm from handlebar and show clenched fist at shoulder height.

The use of hand signals can be, but should not be, controversial. Some areas and individuals have developed their own set of hand signals which can be fine if you are only in that area and ride with, or come across, other individuals who understand and use these same signals. But if visit, or someone comes from, a different area or uses different hand signs, then safety is jeopardized. This also applies strongly to those who do not use any hand signals at all!

These hand signals are approved by the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations, the American Council of Snowmobile Associations and the International Snowmobile Council.