Navigating busy roads can often present challenges, such as dealing with parked cars obstructing your path. While it’s polite to let another driver pass in crowded areas, if you gesture to them using your headlights, you could be slapped with a fine.
The Highway Code outlines specific rules regarding the use of headlights, and although it’s a common sight on the roads, flashing your lights to signal that you’re giving way is not permitted. Rule 110 states: “Flashing headlights. 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.”
There’s also rule 111, which advises: “Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.” This means if an accident occurs following a driver flashing their lights to let you through, you could be deemed at fault.
In a nutshell, drivers should only use their headlights to alert others of their presence or to signal potential hazards. Flashing headlights to express frustration or communicate with other drivers is considered a violation of the Highway Code.
Depending on the area you live in, you could end up with a penalty charge notice (PCN), or a fixed penalty from the police. Avon and Somerset Police, for example, have a list of fixed penalties on their site. If you flash to gesture to someone, this is likely to be seen as a less serious offence, but this could still mean a £50 fine.
But there is a certain type of headlight flashing could potentially land you in serious legal hot water. Flashing your headlights to alert others of upcoming speed checks can be classified as Obstructing a Police Officer under section 89(2) of the Police Act 1996. This action could result in you being summoned to a magistrates court, facing a maximum sentence of one month’s imprisonment.