Who hasn’t used their car lights to give a quick signal to another driver? To indicate that there is a speed check, a drug check or simply that the police are nearby. It may seem like a silly gesture, but in the UK it could end up costing you dearly. Being behind the wheel and, upon seeing a police check, warning other drivers by changing your lights could end up costing you a £1,000 fine, as well as being classified as a serious offence! Are you surprised? Here’s why all this happens
Why can something so common cause such a stir?
The answer lies in the regulations. Does the Highway Code sound familiar to you? Well, this puts all road safety at risk.
What do the regulations say about headlights?
According to Rules 110 and 111 of the UK Highway Code, headlights are designed for a very clear purpose: to make you visible to other drivers, so what’s the problem? Well, using them to signal (warning police checks) is considered a breach of the rules! Why? Because these flashes can be misinterpreted and cause distractions or misunderstandings on the road.
Are there legal consequences?
Of course, not only are these types of warnings inappropriate, they can also breach the Police Act 1997, so they can be seen as obstructing police work, and you could be fined up to £1,000 ($1220 approx.), and you could even end up sitting in court.
Why is it so important to use your headlights?
Beyond the legal sanctions that may be imposed on you, there is a key and very important reason: the safety of all the people with whom you share the road. With this practice you can accidentally flash your headlights at another driver, or, if, for example, your intention is to inform someone of something but another user identifies it as a signal to move forward… There are many misunderstandings that can cause accidents in a matter of seconds
Be careful with your headlights: the safety of everyone on the road. Imagine that you flash your lights to warn someone of something, but another driver interprets it as a signal to move forward. This misunderstanding can cause an accident in a matter of seconds, so it is better to be safe than sorry… let each thing happen in its own time!
On the other hand, poorly aligned headlights can also be a problem, so another very important point for your safety on the roads is to make sure that your headlights are in good condition and that you use them responsibly.
What changes should you make as a driver?
The key to avoiding problems is simple: use your headlights consciously and appropriately. Here are some recommendations you can follow if you have doubts.
- Use them only for what they are designed for: making yourself visible on the road.
- Avoid flashing your lights (especially if it is a police checkpoint)
- Make sure your headlights are working properly and in good condition.
Perhaps, when you make this gesture, you do it with the best possible intention, but you have to be aware that you could be putting many people in danger. Imagine for a moment that the police control is looking for a criminal and you have accidentally told him to go in another direction, so it is better to let the rules follow their course and act with the greatest possible responsibility. Remember that safety should always be a priority and that none of us want to take a fine home! So, next time you feel the urge to point something out… Remember it’s a crime!