Drivers warned to ‘never do’ common habit - risk £1,000 fine
One of the most common motoring habits could seriously backfire, with road users at risk of hefty fines for a simple error.
Motorists have been told to think twice before flashing their car headlights, with one of the most popular habits behind the wheel likely to breach the Highway Code. The AA has stressed that drivers are at risk of fines for flashing their headlights, in a major blow to cash-strapped road users.
Flashing car headlights is often considered good road manners, often used to say thank you, alert another driver of your intention to wait, or to warn them of a hazard up ahead. However, many road users flash their car headlights to signal to other road users that a speed camera or police car is ahead, which is where they could get into trouble. The AA said: “You can be fined for headlight flashing if you’re considered to be ‘misusing your lights’.”
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According to the AA, the Highway Code states road users should only flash headlights to let other road users know they are there.
Road users are “not supposed to flash your lights to send any other message - even to warn others of hazards in the road.” The AA added that motorists should never flash their headlights to intimidate other road users.
At the same time, never assume that someone flashing their headlights means it is safe to go or pull out while waiting.
The AA said: “If other drivers keep flashing you, there may be something visibly wrong with your car. You could have a broken bulb, you may have left your main beam or fog lights on by mistake, or you may have forgotten to switch your headlights on.”
Breaching Highway Code rule 110 can have serious consequences, with road users at risk of being slapped with fines of up to £1,000 for willfully obstructing a constable in the execution of his/her duty.
Experts at BigWantsYourCar.com said: "Flashing headlights is commonly used by drivers to signal other motorists, but many are unaware that this practice can land them with a substantial fine.
“The Highway Code is clear: headlights should only be used to let other road users know you are there, not for signalling purposes such as warning of speed cameras or other hazards. Misusing them can be considered an obstruction to the police, which carries the risk of a £1,000 fine."
