In commonly accepted driving etiquette, motorists often flash their headlights at other drivers to signal to them to go first or to continue their manoeuvre but a new survey has revealed that more than half of drivers did not know that this wasn’t allowed.
The survey by findandfindmycar.com found that many road users were unaware of Rule 110 and 111 of the Highway Code that says, “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there.
“Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.”
On this, Phil Morgan, head of findandfundmycar.com said, “While the chances of getting fined for doing any of the offences are extremely low, they’re still not worth the risk.
“While some of the offences might not be commonly known, nobody wants to risk their safety or have to pay a hefty fine for something that they didn’t know was going to cost them, so it’s best to know these sooner rather than later.
“What may be considered a friendly warning to other drivers can actually have consequences. Speed cameras and police officers are there to keep everyone safe so it’s vital they are respected.”
This news comes just a week after the North Wales Police warned drivers that it is illegal to share where speed cameras are with other motorists on social media.
The rule falls under section 89 of the Police Act 1997 and a spokesperson for the North Wales Police said, “Publicising the locations of speed traps hampers the good work that staff and officers do to reduce speeding motorists, which is one of the “Fatal Five” offences.
“Motorists could be prosecuted if they are caught warning other drivers on the road for any speed trap.”
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