I just read this on the Village Idiots mailing list regarding hand signals in California:
CVC 22110 was amended eff. 1-1-2000 to read as follows:
22110. (a) The signals required by this chapter shall be given by signal lamp, unless a vehicle is not required to be and is not equipped with turn signals. Drivers of vehicles not required to be and not equipped with turn signals shall give a hand and arm signal when required by this chapter.
b) In the event the signal lamps become inoperable while driving, hand and arm signals shall be used in the manner required in this chapter.
So I wondered if that was the case in Minnesota, as I use hand signals on my motorcycle about 30% of the time.
Here are all the Minnesota Statutes. And here is the relevant page.
Subd. 7. Signaling methods. The signals herein required shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal lamp or signal device of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety, but when a vehicle is so constructed or loaded that a hand and arm signal would not be visible in normal sunlight, and at night both to the front and rear of such vehicle, then the signals must be given by such a lamp or device.
So at least in Minnesota it’s still legal to use hand signals even when you have signal lights.
