How to Sign "Illegal"

Hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm facing your dominant side and fingers pointing straight up. Form an 'L' shape with your dominant hand. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand, sharply striking the palm of your flat hand with the side of your 'L' hand. Use a firm movement and a serious facial expression to convey the meaning of something being forbidden or against the law.

Examples Using "Illegal" in a Sentence

1

Parking here is illegal.

Sign 'PARK' then 'ILLEGAL'. Use a firm strike for 'ILLEGAL' to emphasize that the action is strictly prohibited.

2

It's illegal to text and drive.

Sign 'TEXT', 'DRIVE', then 'ILLEGAL'. You can shake your head while signing 'ILLEGAL' to reinforce the negative rule.

3

Is that illegal?

Sign 'THAT ILLEGAL' while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Illegal"
Hold your non-dominant hand flat with the palm facing your dominant side and fingers pointing straight up. Form an 'L' shape with your dominant hand. Bring your dominant hand toward your non-dominant hand, sharply striking the palm of your flat hand with the side of your 'L' hand. Use a firm movement and a serious facial expression to convey the meaning of something being forbidden or against the law.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually combines the concept of 'law' and a barrier. The non-dominant flat hand often represents a document, rule, or wall in ASL. The dominant 'L' handshape is an initialized sign for 'law'. Striking it against the flat hand sharply indicates that an action hits a barrier or goes against the established rule.
Signing Tips
Ensure your non-dominant hand stays steady like a wall or a barrier. The 'L' handshape on your dominant hand should strike it firmly and bounce off slightly. Incorporating a slight head shake or a stern facial expression will naturally enhance the meaning, as 'illegal' is a strong, negative concept.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using a flat hand for both hands, which changes the sign to 'stop' or 'reject'. Make sure your dominant hand is clearly in an 'L' shape. Another mistake is striking the hand too softly; the movement should be crisp and firm to reflect the strict nature of the law.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Illegal" in a Sentence
1

Parking here is illegal.

Sign 'PARK' then 'ILLEGAL'. Use a firm strike for 'ILLEGAL' to emphasize that the action is strictly prohibited.

2

It's illegal to text and drive.

Sign 'TEXT', 'DRIVE', then 'ILLEGAL'. You can shake your head while signing 'ILLEGAL' to reinforce the negative rule.

3

Is that illegal?

Sign 'THAT ILLEGAL' while raising your eyebrows and leaning slightly forward to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'illegal' and 'law'?

Both signs use an 'L' handshape on a flat non-dominant palm. However, 'law' is signed by placing the 'L' hand on the top of the palm and then moving it to the bottom of the palm. 'Illegal' is a single, sharp strike against the palm.

Can I use this sign to mean 'forbidden' or 'not allowed'?

Yes! While it literally translates to 'illegal', it is frequently used in ASL to mean 'forbidden', 'prohibited', or strictly 'not allowed' in a general sense, even outside of a strict legal context.

Does it matter which hand I use as the flat hand?

Yes, you should always use your non-dominant hand as the flat, stationary base. Your dominant hand (the one you write with) should form the 'L' shape and perform the striking motion.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!