Latest news with #HighwayCodeRule110
Daily Mirror
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
UK drivers could face £200 fines for come action under little-known Highway Code rule
As traffic enforcement becomes stricter and roads more heavily monitored, motorists are being cautioned against making this potentially costly mistake that many drivers believe is just good manners An expert has warned Brit drivers who flash their headlights at road users that they could be fined — or face even stiffer penalties — under a little-known rule in the Highway Code. Highway Code Rule 110 expressly states: "Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there." A great many motorists see flashing their headlights as a way of saying 'thank you', warning other drivers about speed cameras, or indicating that you are giving way at a junction. But according to Rule 110, these actions are technically illegal and could result in fines and penalty points on your licence. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule. It further warns drivers not to flash headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Virtually every common use of flashing headlights, beyond alerting one's presence, is therefore against the rules. Penalties depend on the reason behind the flashing. For general misuse like giving way or signalling thanks, motorists risk fines between £100 and £200 plus three to six penalty points for careless driving. However, flashing headlights to warn others about police presence or speed traps carries a much heavier risk. This can be prosecuted as "wilfully obstructing a constable" under Section 89 of the Police Act 1996, with fines reaching up to £1,000. Car finance expert from Simple PCP Claims, Tom Riley, said: "Most drivers flash their lights with good intentions, thinking they're being helpful. But the law is crystal clear, you can only flash your headlights to alert others to your presence. Anything else could technically land you in hot water." This legal framework comes from the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, and although breaking the Highway Code itself is not always a criminal offence, police can issue penalties if misuse causes danger or obstructs law enforcement. The Crown Prosecution Service specifically highlights that "giving a warning to other motorists of a police speed trap ahead" constitutes obstruction, making this practice a target for authorities. While prosecution for common "polite" flashing is rare, it's wiser to follow the rules and avoid the risk. Public confusion arises because flashing headlights has long been ingrained in British driving culture as a form of polite communication learned during driving lessons or from experienced drivers. However, the rules are explicit that such use is illegal. Rule 111 reinforces this by advising: "Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully." Safety experts also warn against misuse of headlight flashing because it can lead to misunderstandings or accidents. Scams such as 'Flash-for-Cash' have been widely reported, where criminals flash lights to trick drivers into pulling out at junctions, only to deliberately cause collisions and claim fraudulent insurance payouts. The legal consequences of improper flashing can be significant. Tom Riley explained: "The £200 fine might not sound enormous, but add penalty points and you're looking at a serious hit to your driving record. For drivers who warn others about speed traps, that £1,000 maximum penalty could be financially devastating. The safest approach is simple, only flash when you genuinely need to alert someone to your presence."
Daily Record
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Motorists warned of £200 fine for using headlights in harmless way
You might think you are being courteous, but you could end up in trouble with one common action Motorists could face a hefty fine for warning other motorists of speed cameras. Most drivers think they're being courteous when they flash their headlights to alert others of speed cameras, give way at junctions, or to even signal "thanks" to fellow motorists. However, these friendly flashes are actually illegal under Highway Code Rule 110 and could result in fines of up to £200 and penalty points. Even more alarmingly, drivers who flash their lights to warn others of police presence face potentially devastating penalties of up to £1,000 for obstructing police duties. Highway Code Rule 110 states that drivers should "only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there." It explicitly warns: "Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users." This means virtually every common use of headlight flashing is technically breaking the law, including warning other drivers of speed cameras, giving way at junctions, signalling "thank you," or expressing frustration. The penalties depend on exactly why drivers flashed their lights, creating a confusing two-tier system most motorists are unaware of. Car finance expert and owner of Simple PCP Claims, Tom Riley, said: "Most drivers flash their lights with good intentions, thinking they're being helpful. But the law is crystal clear, you can only flash your headlights to alert others to your presence. Anything else could technically land you in hot water." The regulations stem from the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989. While Highway Code breaches aren't directly criminal, police can issue penalties when misuse creates danger or impedes law enforcement. The Crown Prosecution Service specifically lists "giving a warning to other motorists of a police speed trap ahead" as an example of obstructing police duties, making it clear that authorities actively target this common practice. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. While prosecution for everyday "polite" flashing remains relatively rare, the legal framework exists to catch drivers who step outside legally acceptable bounds. Traffic officers are particularly vigilant about drivers warning others of speed cameras. The confusion arises because headlight flashing has become ingrained in British driving culture. Many drivers assume it's perfectly legal, having learned these habits during lessons or from experienced drivers. Tom Riley adds: "The £200 fine might not sound enormous, but add penalty points and you're looking at a serious hit to your driving record. For drivers who warn others about speed traps, that £1,000 maximum penalty could be financially devastating. The safest approach is simple, only flash when you genuinely need to alert someone to your presence." With road traffic enforcement becoming increasingly sophisticated, drivers using headlights as a communication tool are playing a dangerous game with potentially expensive consequences.
Daily Mirror
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Common British driving habit could cost you £200
You've probably made this mistake a dozen times without ever realising it's illegal There's a common habit among UK drivers that, although most would consider it common courtesy, is actually breaking the law. This one simple show of politeness could actually cost you £200 if you're caught doing it. Flashing your headlights to signal thank you, let someone go ahead of you, or even to warn of an upcoming speed camera is illegal in the UK. Drivers who flash their lights to warn others of police presence face potentially devastating penalties of up to £1,000 for obstructing police duties. Highway Code Rule 110 states that drivers should "only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there." New UK driving laws to be introduced soon after being 'fast tracked' All the new driving laws coming your way in 2025 including new tax for drivers It explicitly warns: "Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users." How much you are penalised depends on the reason why you flashed your lights. For 'general misuse' such as giving way or saying thank you, you can be fined between £100 and £200 and issued three to six penalty points due to careless driving. However, if you are warning of speed cameras, or police cars, then the fine can climb as high as £1000 and you could face prosecution for "wilfully obstructing a constable" under Section 89 of the Police Act 1996. Car finance expert and owner of Simple PCP Claims, Tom Riley said: "Most drivers flash their lights with good intentions, thinking they're being helpful. "But the law is crystal clear, you can only flash your headlights to alert others to your presence. Anything else could technically land you in hot water. "The £200 fine might not sound enormous, but add penalty points and you're looking at a serious hit to your driving record. "For drivers who warn others about speed traps, that £1,000 maximum penalty could be financially devastating. "The safest approach is simple, only flash when you genuinely need to alert someone to your presence."
North Wales Live
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- North Wales Live
UK drivers risk £1,000 fines for common 'friendly gesture' on the road
Recent research has shown that over half of UK drivers are breaking the highway code due to prevalent driving myths. A study by LKQ Euro Car Parts set out to reveal the most frequent misconceptions among UK motorists concerning road laws and the consequences of adhering to these incorrect beliefs. The research found that a staggering 58% of drivers are flouting the highway code because of these myths, potentially incurring fines of as much as £1,000. The experts at LKQ Euro Car Parts are drawing attention to the top five missteps and the truths that debunk them. Check out these top five myths to ensure you're not unintentionally violating the rules – as failing to adhere could result in a surprise fine for inadvertently breaching the highway code. Myth 1: Flashing your lights as a friendly gesture is acceptable (60%) Approximately 45% of drivers admit to flashing their full-beams occasionally as a courteous gesture, and some even speak about this practice on social media platforms. Drivers commonly do this to let another driver merge from a junction or as thanks. Nonetheless, this seemingly harmless action is, in fact, against the law according to the highway code and could attract a fine of up to £1,000 if caught. Alarmingly, 60% of motorists do not recognise that this act is illegal. Highway Code Rule 110 clarifies: "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. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed." Myth 2: It's illegal to drive with the interior light on (38%) A common misconception among many is that driving with the interior light on is against the law, a belief held by 38% of drivers. However, there is no legislation prohibiting the use of interior lights while driving. Nevertheless, it can be distracting and should be used only when necessary and for short periods. Myth 3: You can beep your horn to express frustration (52%) A significant proportion of UK drivers, 52%, think it's acceptable to honk their car horn at other road users out of frustration, with 36% admitting to having done so in the past. While horns can be used to alert others to danger, using them out of annoyance is a breach of the Highway Code and may result in a £30 Fixed Penalty Notice. According to rule 112 of the Highway Code: "Use your horn only while your vehicle is moving, and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You must not use your horn while stationary on a road - 'except' when another road user poses a danger." Myth 4: It is illegal to drive in certain footwear or barefoot (43%) The type of footwear worn while driving can affect your ability to drive safely, but there are no strict rules or laws governing what can be worn on the feet, including flip-flops, high heels, or even driving barefoot. A substantial proportion of drivers erroneously think it's unlawful to drive in flipflops (41%), barefoot (43%) or in high heels (29%). However, you can be pulled over for unsafe driving, so always ensure you can operate the vehicle competently in whatever footwear you opt for. Myth 5: Using air-con is always more efficient (68%) More than two thirds of drivers (68%) believe that using air-con consumes less fuel than driving with the windows down, thus making it the most economical choice.
