Riding down the highway this weekend when I see a few State Trooper’s on the side of the road with a speed trap set up for traffic coming in the other direction. Not wanting to see any fellow bikers get a speeding ticket I tried to signal them by using the old school way of warning others, by tapping on top of my head / helmet with my hand. I don’t think that one gets used much any more so all I got for my efforts was a few nutty looks. Flashing high to low beam light didn’t seem to work much better either. So my question is what types of hand signals or jesters do you use if any?

 

I've always used the flashing highbeams. Never heard of the tapping the top of the head one...

I was once told that if a cop caught you warning someone about a speed trap, they could bust you for obstruction of justice. I think that's a bunch of bull, but it gives you something to think about.

 

Tapping on the head is an old school message. Many younger riders don't know about it. Heck, it might even be a regional type thing, who knows? I learned it long ago. These days I just put my arm and hand out to the side, like I'm going to wave, and I use a pushing down type of movement. Most seem to understand that.

 

Tapping the top of your head is what I have always know was to warn of a speed trap.

 

+1 what he said....

 

We used to tap on the side of our heads, not the top, but times have changed. The other day I used the old switching the head beam from low to high and the guy in front of me moved over to the shoulder. Go figure.

 

+1 It may be regional but we use it here. People not knowing what it means probably has a lot to do with never learning the full range of MC hand signals that are often only covered under group or formation riding instruction.

 

Tapping the head isnt regional. Its used religiously here in Cal. Usually tap the head, then hold up the number of fingers for the number of cops waiting.
The only time I use the push motion is when I'm parked on the side of the road, and use both hands

 

So far I've seen every motion mentioned so far. Doesn't matter to me, just lets me know that something is out there trying to get me. Call me paranoid but I slow down when someone starts flashing funny biker signs.

 

I learned tap on the top of the head--that means cop ahead watch your speed and make a circle motion with fingers up for how many cop cars running speed trap. Old school.