When did most cars in the USA start using turn signals?

Question

I remember sticking my hand out to turn in the late 50's or else I drove older cars my first car was a 1941 ford in 1957

Answer 1

You mean being manufactured with turn signals, or being driven by a person who actually makes use of the thing?  If you are talking about using them, forget it, people seem to have forgotten that simple task.

Answer 2

Most of the cars produced in the 1950's had turn indicators on them, but even cars in the 1930's were using indicators. They weren't lights, but semaphore indicators located on the B-pillar.

Answer 3

Weary response: what makes you think most cars use turn signals today?

I learned hand signals in mid-60's.  Signal stalks on steering column were available then.

In those days, no lap belts, dimmer switch was on the floor near button for windshield fluid squirter.

No collapsible steering column, no air bags -- beats me how anyone can stand to drive a classic car.  Made of heavier metal, though, I guess.

Answer 4

I see a lot of cars not using turn signals today, what are you talking about?

I think it was in the late 40's-early 50's that turn signals became mandatory.

Answer 5

The modern turn signal was first generally offered by major automobile manufacturers in 1939.

Answer 6

The first one I remember was my grandfather's 1952 Buick. As a kid, I was fascinated with it.

In 1954, my dad bought a 1951 Chevrolet without signals. The previous owner had attempted to install them on it, but they never worked.

My parents also owned a 1948 or 1949 Oldsmobile station wagon, and believe it or not, that car had only one tail light - a big red one mounted in the center of the tailgate. Obviously, that one didn't have signals either.

By the mid-1950s, I started noticing that the vast majority of vehicles were using the signals.

Answer 7

my 52 chevy had them so im not sure

Answer 8

There wasn't a time when all cars had went to turn signals. It started out as an option and then it was only offered on the higher class models. In the 40's you could buy cars with turn signals and if you bought a used one without, you could buy kits and install them. Hand signals were taught in high school drivers ed. in the 50's but by then most cars came out equipped with them as standard equipment.

Answer 9

turn signals became a required option on all cars on 1-1-1954. below is from the ohio revised code law book.

4513.261 Vehicles to be equipped with electrical or mechanical directional signals.

(A)(1) No person shall operate any motor vehicle manufactured or assembled on or after January 1, 1954, unless the vehicle is equipped with electrical or mechanical directional signals.

Answer 10

Most people aren't aware of the new technology judging by the lack of use.