Drivers warned that wrong use of hazard lights could land you with a fine

Drivers are being urged to use hazard lights correctly to avoid steep fines and penalty points. Motoring experts at BigWantsYourCar.com recommend following Highway Code guidelines to prevent confusion on the road and avoid charges for driving without due care and attention. Misusing hazard lights can lead to fines up to £1,000 and add three penalty points to your licence.

Key Takeaways

• The risks of misusing hazard lights
• Understanding the Highway Code on hazard lights
• When to use hazard lights – and when not to
• Potential consequences of incorrect hazard light use

The risks of misusing hazard lights

Using hazard lights improperly, such as to thank other drivers, is a common practice that can lead to unintended risks. While it may seem harmless, it can confuse drivers by signalling a potential danger where none exists, leading to sudden braking or risky manoeuvres.

“A friendly ‘thank you’ can have unintended consequences,” explains a spokesperson from BigWantsYourCar.com. “The Highway Code advises drivers to use hazard lights only for specific situations where danger or obstruction is present. Misusing them can cause real safety issues, especially if other road users mistakenly assume there’s a hazard up ahead.”

Understanding the Highway Code on hazard lights

The Highway Code specifies that hazard lights are only to be used when a vehicle is stopped and is obstructing traffic or when driving in a motorway queue to alert drivers to an emerging hazard. Misuse, such as flashing hazard lights while moving or in non-emergency situations, could lead to fines.

The BigWantsYourCar.com spokesperson notes, “The rules around hazard lights aim to maintain road clarity and avoid confusion. For example, it’s advised to activate hazard lights briefly when approaching a queue on the motorway or during a breakdown, but only for as long as the hazard remains.”

When to use hazard lights – and when not to

To help drivers avoid fines and ensure safe hazard light use, BigWantsYourCar.com provides the following guidelines:

• Do: Use hazard lights to indicate a breakdown or a dangerous obstruction when stopped. This warns other motorists to be cautious and gives them plenty of time to react.
• Do: Activate hazard lights briefly in a sudden motorway queue. This can help drivers behind you slow down in time to avoid a collision.
• Don’t: Flash hazard lights as a way to say thank you to other road users. A quick wave is a safer and clearer gesture.
• Don’t: Use hazard lights while driving slowly or turning. Misusing hazard lights in these situations may prompt other drivers to stop or brake suddenly, increasing the chanceof an accident.
• Don’t: Use hazard lights to claim a parking space. This practice is discouraged under the Highway Code and can lead to fines.

Potential consequences of incorrect hazard light use

Drivers caught misusing hazard lights could face charges of driving without due care and attention, leading to fines of up to £1,000 (Confused.com). In some cases, drivers could even receive penalty points if their actions are deemed to put other road users at risk.

“Road safety relies on clear communication between drivers, and hazard lights are there to signal danger, not for casual gestures,” the BigWantsYourCar.com spokesperson advises.

“Following these guidelines keeps everyone safe on the road and avoids misunderstandings that could lead to penalties.”

By adhering to the correct uses of hazard lights, drivers can avoid confusion and help maintain a safer, more predictable road environment.

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