Flashing your headlights for this common reason | Tech News

While chances are you’ll suppose that you simply’re being a courteous driver by flashing your headlights to let different motorists cross, you’re really breaking a key rule. Flashing your headlights ought to solely be carried out in particular circumstances as outlined within the  Highway Code, and if you happen to defy these tips you can finish up with a hefty nice.

Rule 110 of the Code states that it’s best to “only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there”.

The rule goes on to say: “Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.”

In a comparable vein, the Code additionally warns drivers that they need to “never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed”, including: “Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.”

Plenty of drivers may also use their headlights to warn others of an upcoming velocity digicam. However, doing this may land you with a nice of up to £1000, in keeping with We Buy Any Car. 

Car dealership Dick Lovett explains that this is since you can be seen as “obstructing police duties” below part 89 of the Police Act 1997. It states: “While it might feel nice to help and look out for a fellow driver, it could lead to more reckless drivers on the road if they’re not caught by police and fined accordingly. Remember, speed limits are there to keep everyone, including you, safe.”

Headlights are talked about in a number of different Highway Code sections, together with Rule 113, which states that drivers should guarantee all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sundown and dawn. 

It additionally says drivers should “use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting” and “use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced”. If you fail to observe these guidelines, you can finish up with a nice and factors on your licence. 

However, drivers should not use lights “in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders”. It can also be in opposition to the law to “use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced”, below Rule 114.

The Highway Code explains that if drivers are in visitors that isn’t shifting, they need to watch out with how they use their brake lights. It says: “In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again.”