Motorists warned against misusing headlights as gesture could lead to £1,000 fine
- Perry Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers and other road users are being warned that a simple headlight flash could cost them a £1,000 fine if used incorrectly.
Insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk say that although flashing headlights is often seen as a courteous or helpful gesture, the action could breach the Highway Code and, in some cases, the law.
Drivers commonly flash their lights to thank others, allow them to merge, or warn of speed cameras. But according to the Highway Code, headlights must only be used to alert other road users to your presence. Using them for any other reason can cause confusion and increase the risk of an accident.
Using headlights to warn others of police checks or speed traps could even breach Section 89(2) of the Police Act 1996, which makes it an offence to obstruct a police officer.
The Highway Code’s Rule 110 states that drivers must not flash headlights to convey messages or intimidate other drivers. Rule 111 adds that a headlight flash should not be seen as a signal to proceed and that drivers must always use their own judgement.
There are also safety concerns around ‘Flash-for-Cash’ scams, where fraudsters flash other drivers to encourage them out of a junction before intentionally causing a collision to make false insurance claims.
While there is no specific offence for flashing headlights inappropriately, breaching Highway Code rules can result in fines of up to £1,000 and more serious consequences depending on the outcome.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone, said: “Flashing headlights is often seen as a courteous gesture, but it’s important for drivers to remember that misuse can have serious consequences.
“Flashing headlights to signal other drivers to proceed, warn of speed cameras, or communicate any other message can be misinterpreted and lead to confusion on the road.
“Not only can this be dangerous, but it could land drivers with a hefty fine of up to £1,000.
“It’s crucial that motorists stick to the intended use of headlights – to simply make other road users aware of their presence – so they don’t inadvertently break the law or risk their safety.”
