Motorists could be slapped with a hefty fine if they’re caught performing an action on the road that many deem to be considerate and polite.
This is because it can be observed by police as intimidating behaviour and even an obstruction of an officer’s duty.
The habit is one that drivers commonly perform on a daily basis during journeys but are likely unaware of the ramifications it carries.
That’s because incorrect use of your vehicle’s lights can carry a steep fine of as much as £1,000.
Flashing your car’s headlights at another motorist for anything other than letting other road users know of your presence is illegal under rules in the Highway Code.
And if police catch you doing it to warn oncoming motorists of a speed camera or officers at the roadside with speed guns, this gesture could land you in very hot water.
It’s a common practice for motorists to warn others of upcoming speed traps in a courteous act to save them receiving a speeding fine and points on their licence.
But this gesture is in breach of the Highway Code.
Rule 110 and 111 of the driver’s manual stipulates: ‘Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.’
While being caught in breach of this rule will not result in a criminal conviction, it can still be used as evidence in court if linked to a collision.
Additionally, there’s legislation that makes it illegal to warn drivers of speed checks that can carry more severe punishment.
This is in violation of section 89 of the Police Act (1997), which involves ‘wilfully obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty’.
As such, drivers can be handed a criminal conviction and a maximum fine of £1,000.
However, instances of driver’s being punished for such action is extremely rare.
In 2012, Lancashire Police issued fines to 20 motorists who had been caught flashing their headlights at drivers approaching speed checks as part of an operation on the Fylde Coast.
The 20 drivers were given £30 fines for ‘misuse of headlights’.
PC Antony Gray, from the force’s road policing unit, said the practice was ‘exacerbating the problem’ of speeding.
The Drivers’ Alliance at the time accused the constabulary of being ‘petty’ in targeting motorists who encourage other drivers to slow down.
There have been very few reports of operations linked directly to headlight misuse since.
However, it’s worth asking yourself if it’s worth taking the risk of being handed a fine to help others who could have been speeding and breaking the law in the first instance.
The AA states that motorists should follow Highway Code instruction and only flash their car’s headlights to let other road users know they’re there.
‘You’re not supposed to flash your lights to send any other message – even to warn others of hazards in the road,’ it says.
‘You shouldn’t flash your lights to intimidate road users.
‘Never assume that someone flashing their headlights means its safe for you to go, for example at a junction.
‘Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.’
