Do you flash your headlights? Here's why it can land you with a £1,000 fine

Flashing your headlights to alert other road users of a speeding trap further along the road ahead could land you up to £1,000 in fines. 

Most drivers will view this as an act of common courtesy and actually prevent motorists from speeding by alerting them to the speed cameras. 

Unfortunately for these drivers, if they are caught by the police warning other motorists, they could land themselves in big trouble. 

In the Highway Code under rule 110 it states that drivers should “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there.”

It also makes it clear to motorists that they should not be used as a means of communication.

“Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.”

The Department of Transport claim that a breach of Rule 110 and 111, which outline the rules of motorists flashing their headlights, could stand up in a court of law as evidence. 

This is not enough to convict a motorists however, if drivers are warning others about a speed trap implemented by the police, they could be in breach of section 89 of the Police Act 1997.

Under this law it dictates that an offence is something that tries to “wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty.”

Therefore police can charge anyone who appears to be obstructing their ability to conduct speed checks on other motorists, with this criminal offence. 

The maximum fine for obstructing a police office is capped at £1,000. 

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “It is illegal and unnecessary behaviour.

“Speed traps should not be hidden as they are there to slow down traffic not issue tickets, so anyone aggrieved by the way a camera is being used should take it up with their local safety camera partnership rather than taking the law into their own hands.”