This is the first question most people are confronted with when they enter this domain: to kit or not to kit? On the one hand, an all-in-one UTV turn signal and horn kit is going to provide everything you need to make the conversion in a street-legal fashion. This includes front and rear signals, your horn, all the wiring you need, switches and indicators, mounting hardware, and so on. It’s one stop, and generally cheaper than piecing it all together.
However, we appreciate that not every rider wants everything included in these kits, which is why setting up your own system, one or two pieces at a time, is absolutely a viable option. You can still find UTV turn signal systems that come with the wiring you need, but without the horn if you don’t need one (and vice versa).
Finally, a model-specific kit is generally going to run you more, but it offers a much simpler installation process and is super reliable. That said, universal UTV turn signal and horn kits are fine if you don’t mind taking the extra time.
Modern turn signal kits universally use LED technology, but understanding why matters. LED turn signals draw minimal current, generate almost no heat, last essentially forever (50,000+ hours!) and resist vibration damage since they're solid-state. They require specific flasher relays or load equalizers.
As for visibility and brightness, LEDs provide excellent visibility in daylight, which is obviously a big deal for safety. Cheaper LED lights will come off as dim. Also, if you are going for street legal status, make sure that you check with the regs in your area as it concerns color. For example, many areas require amber/yellow signals in the front and rear.
Installation complexity varies dramatically by kit type. Your plug-and-play kit typically comes with:
These dramatically reduce installation time and eliminate potential wiring errors. Universal kits require:
Proper wire routing requires protecting wires from heat (exhaust systems), abrasion (sharp edges, body panel pinch points), and water. Use proper wire looms, route through protected areas, and secure with zip ties or mounting clips. Connector sealing: use dielectric grease on all connections preventing corrosion—critical for reliable long-term function in UTV environments.
Do turn signal kits include everything needed for street street-legal conversion?
Most turn signal kits include turn signals, horn, wiring, and switch/indicator, covering all the electrical signaling equipment you will need. Our big disclaimer is that some jurisdictions might require more equipment, so make sure to always confirm!
Will turn signal installation void my warranty?
Potentially yes, particularly if installation requires tapping into factory wiring. Check with your manufacturer.
Can I use turn signals for trail riding even if I'm not making my UTV street legal?
Absolutely. Turn signals improve safety during group trail riding by clearly communicating your intentions to following riders. Brake lights (if your turn signal system includes brake light integration) warn riders behind when you're stopping.