Motorists face £1,000 penalties for breaking common Highway Code rule amid safety concerns

The warning comes as drivers frequently use their headlights to communicate with others on the road, whether to signal someone to proceed at a junction or to thank fellow motorists.

Despite being widely seen as a polite gesture, flashing headlights to signal other drivers violates specific sections of the Highway Code.

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Rules 110 and 111 explicitly state that headlights should only be used to alert other road users of their presence.

Using headlights to invite other drivers to proceed or to communicate any other message is strictly prohibited under these regulations, experts stated.

The practice could also breach Section 89 (2) of the Police Act 1996, particularly when drivers flash their lights to warn others about speed cameras or police presence.

Under UK rules, if caught conducting the practice it could result in fines reaching £1,000 or higher in more severe cases.

According to Highway Code Rule 110, it states: “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.”

The rule explicitly prohibits using headlight flashes to convey any other message or to intimidate other road users despite millions of road users unknowingly breaking the rule.

Meanwhile, Rule 111 warns: “Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.”

The Highway Code advises motorists to use their own judgement and proceed with caution, rather than relying on signals from other drivers. Experts have also warned drivers about the dangerous 'Flash-for-Cash' scam targeting unsuspecting motorists.

In this criminal scheme, fraudsters flash their headlights to signal other drivers to pull out of junctions. They then deliberately crash into the vehicle, enabling them to make fraudulent insurance claims for damage and whiplash injuries.

The warning highlights the broader safety implications of relying on headlight signals from other drivers which could result in incidents on UK roads.

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. 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 this winter.”

For drivers currently taking lessons, experts have advised that if caught by the instructor flashing the headlights unnecessarily it could result in a test failure.

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Driving school experts at Drive Johnson shared: "Flashing your headlights should only ever be used in line with the rules set out by the highway code, this is something I tell all of my students.

"I advise my pupils NOT to flash their headlights during their driving test unless absolutely necessary, for example, if they were in a dangerous position and needed to alert another car to their presence.”