The Jeep Wave Explained

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Jeep Wrangler drivers are unlike any other car owners out there. They’re passionate about their vehicles, love nothing more than personalizing their Wranglers with the coolest accessories, and have a special camaraderie with each other.

That special camaraderie includes waving to other Wrangler drivers on the road. But this wave is not a regular wave, it’s the Jeep Wave and there’s a certain way to say hi to another Wrangler driver.

When you see another Jeep on the road, you raise your pointer and index fingers while touching your thumb to your ring and pinkie fingers. Raising your thumb, pointer, and index fingers while your ring finger and pinky are on the steering wheel is also acceptable, as well as a wave with all five fingers.

Who waves first, though? Well, there are a few unspoken rules about that. The younger Jeep is supposed to salute the older Jeep first and a stock Jeep waves first to one that’s been modified. But to be honest, most people just wave when they see another Wrangler without taking these “rules” into account.

So, how did this special wave begin? Well, no one is 100 percent sure, but there are a few theories on the origins, according to Autoblog.

1. The earliest the wave could have begun is during World War II as a way for soldiers to acknowledge each other while out on patrol.

2. The wave began after WWII when veterans, now home, saw each other in the vehicle they drove during the war. It could have been a way for them to recognize each other’s service.

3. Off-roading for fun took off in the 1970s and it could have started then as a way to say hey to another adventurous spirit.

There’s a sense of community between all Jeep owners, especially those who drive Wranglers. So, if you’re a new Jeep driver, don’t be shocked if you see someone waving at you from the other direction. And no matter what model or year Jeep you drive, next time you see another member of the seven-slot-grille family on the road, go ahead and give them a wave!