If you own a Jeep, chances are you have seen it, a quick lift of the hand from another Jeep driver as you pass. This simple gesture, known as the Jeep Wave, is more than just a friendly hello. It is a tradition steeped in history, mutual respect, and a shared love of adventure.
What Is the Jeep Wave?
The Jeep Wave is a brief, friendly salute exchanged between Jeep drivers. Most often, it is done by raising a couple of fingers above the steering wheel or giving a small outward wave. It is a silent acknowledgment that you are part of a unique community, whether your Jeep is a classic Willys MB, a rugged CJ, or a modern Wrangler.
The tradition is widely believed to have started during World War II, when soldiers driving Willys MBs or Ford GPWs saluted or waved at fellow troops as a sign of camaraderie. After the war, veterans carried this practice into civilian life, and the gesture became part of Jeep culture.
When to Do the Jeep Wave
The Jeep Wave is typically reserved for Jeep drivers, especially Wranglers, Gladiators, and vintage models like the CJ or Willys. Here is when to do it:
- Passing another Jeep on the road or trail
- Meeting Jeeps at off-road events or trail crossings
- Driving on small-town or rural roads where other Jeep drivers are likely to wave back
Many Jeep owners also follow an informal respect hierarchy where the older, more customized, or more trail-worn the Jeep, the higher the expectation to wave first.
When Not to Do the Jeep Wave
While the Jeep Wave is friendly, it is not a free-for-all. Skip it when:
- The other vehicle is not a Jeep
- Traffic conditions make it unsafe to remove your hand from the wheel
- You are in heavy city congestion, where the wave will likely go unnoticed
Official Jeep Wave Etiquette Checklist
- Always wave to Wranglers, Gladiators, and classic Jeeps
- Be the first to wave when you see a vintage or heavily modified Jeep
- Keep your wave simple and quick for safety
- Return every wave you receive
- Skip the wave if doing so would compromise driving safety
The Spirit Behind the Gesture
Whether you are cruising through town or climbing rocky trails, the Jeep Wave is a reminder that you are part of something bigger, a global family of off-roaders. It is not just about the wave itself, but about what it represents: respect, adventure, and the Jeep lifestyle.
