In driving, the plus sign (+) usually means “increase” or “add,” such as increasing speed, shifting to a higher gear, or indicating additional lanes, distance or driving features depending on where the symbol appears.
If you’ve ever been driving and noticed a “+” (plus sign) on your dashboard, gear shifter, road sign, or even a driving app, you’re not alone in wondering what it actually means. The plus sign in driving can be confusing at first because it doesn’t always represent the same thing. Its meaning depends heavily on context manual mode, road signs, speed indicators, or vehicle technology.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down in simple, clear language, with real-world examples, comparisons, and practical tips so you’ll never be unsure again.
Why the Plus Sign Matters in Driving 🚗
The plus sign is a universal symbol, instantly understood across languages and cultures. That’s exactly why car manufacturers, road authorities, and navigation systems use it so often.
In driving, it typically signals:
- More (speed, gear, lanes)
- Upward change (higher gear, faster pace)
- Additional options (extra lanes, services, features)
Understanding it improves:
- Driving confidence
- Safety
- Vehicle control
- Quick decision-making
Origin of the Plus Sign in Driving
The plus sign comes from basic mathematics, where it means add or increase. As vehicles became more advanced—especially with automatic and semi-manual transmissions—the symbol was adopted to represent incremental control.
Why manufacturers love it:
- No translation needed
- Instantly recognizable
- Takes up little dashboard space
- Matches “–” (minus) for decrease
Today, it’s found in:
- Manual mode gear shifters
- Steering wheel paddles
- Digital dashboards
- Traffic and road signage
- Navigation systems
Most Common Meanings of the Plus Sign in Driving
Let’s explore the most important and real-world uses.
1. Plus Sign on a Gear Shifter
What it means:
When driving an automatic car with manual or semi-automatic mode, the plus sign means:
👉 Shift up to a higher gear
Where you’ll see it:
- Gear lever marked “+ / –”
- Steering wheel paddle shifters
- Tiptronic or Sport mode
Example:
- You’re in 2nd gear.
- Push the shifter toward “+”.
- The car shifts into 3rd gear.
Why it’s useful:
- Better engine control
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Enhanced performance on highways
🔹 Gear Control Example Table
| Symbol | Meaning | Result |
|---|---|---|
| + | Shift up | Higher gear, lower RPM |
| – | Shift down | Lower gear, higher RPM |
2. Plus Sign on Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters
Many modern cars include paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
- Right paddle (+) → Shift up
- Left paddle (–) → Shift down
This allows drivers to:
- Keep hands on the wheel
- Change gears quickly
- Enjoy sporty driving without a clutch
3. Plus Sign on Road Signs
A. Additional Lanes or Routes
On road signs, a plus sign can indicate:
- Extra lanes ahead
- Additional road connections
- Extended routes
Example:
“City Center + Airport →”
Means both destinations are accessible via that direction.
B. Services & Facilities
Sometimes the plus sign is used to show added services, such as:
- Fuel + food
- Parking + rest area
- Hospital + emergency services
4. Plus Sign in Speed & Driving Displays
A. Cruise Control Systems
In adaptive cruise control:
- “+” increases the set speed
- “–” decreases the speed
Example:
- Set speed: 80 km/h
- Press +
- New speed: 85 km/h
B. Speed Limit Notifications
Some vehicles show:
- Speed limit + tolerance
- Or recommended speed increase
While not universal, this is common in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
5. Plus Sign in Navigation Apps & Maps
In GPS and navigation systems:
- + = Zoom in
- – = Zoom out
While not strictly “driving,” it’s essential for:
- Understanding road detail
- Viewing lane guidance
- Planning exits and turns
Tone & Context: Is the Plus Sign Ever Negative?
Unlike text messages or social media, the plus sign in driving is rarely negative.
Tone meanings:
- ✅ Neutral: Increase or add
- ✅ Functional: Instructional
- ❌ Not emotional or dismissive
This makes it a safe, neutral symbol for drivers of all experience levels.
Comparison: Plus Sign vs Similar Driving Symbols
🔹 Plus (+) vs Minus (–)
| Symbol | Meaning | Driving Effect |
|---|---|---|
| + | Increase | Higher gear, faster speed |
| – | Decrease | Lower gear, slower speed |
🔹 Plus (+) vs Arrow (↑)
- Plus (+) → Change amount or level
- Arrow (↑) → Direction or movement
Example:
- + gear = increase gear
- ↑ road sign = go straight
Alternate Meanings Less Common
Though rare, the plus sign can sometimes indicate:
- Hybrid or electric driving modes
- Enhanced performance package
- Additional driving assistance features
These meanings depend heavily on manufacturer-specific design, so always check your vehicle manual.
Polite or Professional Alternatives
Instead of saying:
- “Press the plus.”
You can say:
- “Increase the gear.”
- “Shift up.”
- “Raise the speed setting.”
These alternatives are especially useful in:
- Driving schools
- Manuals
- Professional training environments
Real-World Driving Examples
Friendly Example 😊
“Just tap the + paddle to shift up it’s smoother on the highway.”
Neutral Example 🚗
“Press the plus sign to increase cruise speed by 5 km/h.”
Instructional Example 📘
“Use the + symbol to move into a higher gear when accelerating.”
Common Driving Situations Where You’ll See the Plus Sign
- Overtaking on highways
- Driving uphill
- Sport mode acceleration
- Adaptive cruise control adjustment
- Lane expansions near cities
Conclusion
The plus sign may look simple, but in driving, it plays a powerful role. Whether you’re shifting gears, adjusting speed, or reading road signs, that small “+” is your signal to add, increase, or move forward. Once you understand the context, it becomes second nature and that confidence translates into safer, smoother driving.
Knowing what the plus sign means isn’t just about symbols it’s about being a more aware, informed driver.
FAQs
What does the plus sign mean on a car dashboard?
It usually means increase, such as shifting to a higher gear or increasing cruise speed.
Does the plus sign mean faster in driving?
Often, yes especially in cruise control or gear shifting—but always check context.
What does + and – mean in automatic cars?
They allow manual gear control:
- + shifts up
- – shifts down
Is it safe to use the plus sign to shift gears?
Yes. Modern vehicles are designed to prevent engine damage even in manual mode.
Why is the plus sign used instead of words?
Because it’s universal, quick to recognize, and saves space.
What does + mean on steering wheel paddles?
It means upshift move to a higher gear.
Does the plus sign ever mean something different?
Rarely. In most cases, it always means increase or add.
Is the plus sign the same in all cars?
Mostly yes, but some features vary by manufacturer. Always check your owner’s manual.
Madison Lee is a skilled writer at ValneTix.com dedicated to making word meanings clear, relatable and actionable. She empowers readers to understand language deeply and use words with confidence in daily life.
