Latest news with #PoliceAct1996
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 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."
South Wales Guardian
10-07-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Drivers could be fined £1000 for warning others over cameras
The Highway Code strictly allows headlight usage solely for signalling one's presence to other road users, not for sharing messages and warnings online. Drivers could breach section 89 of the Police Act 1996, as it is deemed an offence to willfully obstruct a constable in the execution of duty. In 2019, a driver was 'waving frantically' at other motorists to warn them of an upcoming mobile speed camera on the A30, unfortunately for him, he waved at an unmarked police car. New and advanced 'ultra' speed camera that can see inside cars rolled out in UK The officer told Cornwall Live that the driver was reported for obstructing the police, which carries a maximum penalty of one month's imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1,000. According to KeepOnTrucking, the penalty also applies to disclosing police speed trap locations on social media channels. Traffic and travel groups on platforms like Facebook may inadvertently lead users to legal consequences if they share such information. Obstructing a Police Officer - section 89(2) Police Act 1996. According to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service): "A person obstructs a constable if he prevents him from carrying out his duties or makes it more difficult for him to do so. "It is a summary-only offence carrying a maximum penalty of one month's imprisonment and/or a level 3 fine." It then lists 'giving a warning to other motorists of a police speed trap ahead' as one of the examples of conduct. Recommended reading: New 'ultra speed camera' can see inside driver's vehicles Are all speed cameras yellow and must they be visible? Speed camera myths: From flashing lights to the 10% rule There are now around 7000 cameras around the UK's road network, and in 2022 they resulted in the prosecution of 245,043 people – the highest figure since records began. There are over a dozen different types of speed cameras in operation around the UK. The Department for Transport revealed that all speed cameras were to be painted yellow by October 2016. This should make most of them easier to see, but mobile speed cameras can be tough to spot.
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Drivers could be fined £1000 for warning others over cameras
The Highway Code strictly allows headlight usage solely for signalling one's presence to other road users, not for sharing messages and warnings online. Drivers could breach section 89 of the Police Act 1996, as it is deemed an offence to willfully obstruct a constable in the execution of duty. In 2019, a driver was 'waving frantically' at other motorists to warn them of an upcoming mobile speed camera on the A30, unfortunately for him, he waved at an unmarked police car. New and advanced 'ultra' speed camera that can see inside cars rolled out in UK — Worcester News (@worcesternews) June 30, 2025 The officer told Cornwall Live that the driver was reported for obstructing the police, which carries a maximum penalty of one month's imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1,000. According to KeepOnTrucking, the penalty also applies to disclosing police speed trap locations on social media channels. Traffic and travel groups on platforms like Facebook may inadvertently lead users to legal consequences if they share such information. Obstructing a Police Officer - section 89(2) Police Act 1996. According to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service): "A person obstructs a constable if he prevents him from carrying out his duties or makes it more difficult for him to do so. "It is a summary-only offence carrying a maximum penalty of one month's imprisonment and/or a level 3 fine." It then lists 'giving a warning to other motorists of a police speed trap ahead' as one of the examples of conduct. Recommended reading: New 'ultra speed camera' can see inside driver's vehicles Are all speed cameras yellow and must they be visible? Speed camera myths: From flashing lights to the 10% rule Are all speed cameras yellow and must they be visible? There are now around 7000 cameras around the UK's road network, and in 2022 they resulted in the prosecution of 245,043 people – the highest figure since records began. There are over a dozen different types of speed cameras in operation around the UK. The Department for Transport revealed that all speed cameras were to be painted yellow by October 2016. This should make most of them easier to see, but mobile speed cameras can be tough to spot.
Powys County Times
09-07-2025
- Powys County Times
Drivers could be fined £1000 for warning others over cameras
Drivers could be fined up to £1000 for using social media to alert others about police speed traps. The Highway Code strictly allows headlight usage solely for signalling one's presence to other road users, not for sharing messages and warnings online. Drivers could breach section 89 of the Police Act 1996, as it is deemed an offence to willfully obstruct a constable in the execution of duty. In 2019, a driver was 'waving frantically' at other motorists to warn them of an upcoming mobile speed camera on the A30, unfortunately for him, he waved at an unmarked police car. New and advanced 'ultra' speed camera that can see inside cars rolled out in UK — Worcester News (@worcesternews) June 30, 2025 The officer told Cornwall Live that the driver was reported for obstructing the police, which carries a maximum penalty of one month's imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1,000. According to KeepOnTrucking, the penalty also applies to disclosing police speed trap locations on social media channels. Traffic and travel groups on platforms like Facebook may inadvertently lead users to legal consequences if they share such information. Obstructing a Police Officer - section 89(2) Police Act 1996. According to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service): "A person obstructs a constable if he prevents him from carrying out his duties or makes it more difficult for him to do so. "It is a summary-only offence carrying a maximum penalty of one month's imprisonment and/or a level 3 fine." It then lists 'giving a warning to other motorists of a police speed trap ahead' as one of the examples of conduct. New 'ultra speed camera' can see inside driver's vehicles Are all speed cameras yellow and must they be visible? Are all speed cameras yellow and must they be visible? There are now around 7000 cameras around the UK's road network, and in 2022 they resulted in the prosecution of 245,043 people – the highest figure since records began. There are over a dozen different types of speed cameras in operation around the UK. The Department for Transport revealed that all speed cameras were to be painted yellow by October 2016.
