What does the hand signal "left arm out and bent downward" indicate?

The hand signal of "left arm out and bent downward" indicates a stop. This signal is universally recognized among drivers and cyclists as a clear way to communicate the intention to stop to other road users. When a driver's left arm is extended downward from the window, it alerts those around them that they are coming to a halt, which is especially important at intersections or when traffic is approaching from behind.

In contrast, other hand signals have different meanings: an arm extended straight out indicates a left turn, while an arm bent upward signals a right turn. The option for slowing down is not specifically represented by any standard hand signal. Thus, the downward bent arm is clearly understood to denote a stopping action rather than turning or reducing speed.