PocketSign
Basic

CL:3 for Vehicles

CL:3 is the common vehicle classifier. It can show a car driving, parking, turning, or crashing.

All Classifiers lessons
ASL signer showing a sideways CL:3 vehicle classifier

3 Handshape vs Vehicle Classifier

The 3 handshape does not mean three cars. For vehicles, it is a classifier shape.

Reference image comparing ASL number 3 and sideways CL:3 vehicle orientation
Vehicle orientationFor CL:3 vehicle, turn the hand sideways with the thumb up and the index and middle fingers pointing forward.Use numbers like ONE, TWO, or THREE separately if you need to count vehicles.

Learn It

Start with the simple version, then practice it with real signs.

CL:3 uses the thumb, index, and middle fingers extended. In classifier use, it often represents a motorized vehicle.

Name the vehicle first, such as CAR, TRUCK, or BUS. Then use CL:3 to show where it is and how it moves.

The path can show driving straight, turning, parking, backing up, swerving, or hitting something.

Not a countCL:3 is the vehicle handshape. It does not automatically mean three vehicles.
Turn sidewaysSideways orientation makes the hand read like a vehicle in space.
Use the mapPlace vehicles in clear spots before showing movement or crashes.

Try It

Practice slowly. Make the classifier movement clear and keep the location steady.

  1. Sign CAR, then use sideways CL:3 to park the car on your left.
  2. Move CL:3 forward in a straight line to show the car driving ahead.
  3. Set two CL:3 vehicle spots apart, then move one toward the other to show a close call.

Simple Examples

Read the ASL line first. A dark green pill explains the classifier movement, not an extra sign.

ASL lineCAR,CL:3 drive-forward.
MeaningThe car drives forward.
TipCAR names it. CL:3 shows the car moving.
Classifier movementdrive-forwardMove the sideways CL:3 forward through space to show the vehicle driving.
ASL lineTRUCK,CL:3 park-right.
MeaningThe truck parks on the right.
TipPlace the classifier in the right-side spot.
Classifier movementpark-rightMove CL:3 to the right-side spot, then stop and hold it there.
ASL lineCAR TWO,CL:3 left,CL:3 right.
MeaningTwo cars are parked in two spots.
TipTWO gives the amount. CL:3 shows each vehicle.
Classifier movementleft / rightPlace one CL:3 on the left and one CL:3 on the right, then hold both spots steady.

Common Mistake

Do not read the 3 handshape as the number three when it is being used as a vehicle classifier.

Deeper Note

A little more grammar

Orientation matters. The same handshape can look like a number in one position and a vehicle classifier when turned into the signing space.