Motorists may be using their lights incorrectly without realising it, with a driving expert warning that a common habit is 'not okay'. Driving instructor and theory test specialist Annie Winterburn, who runs Theory Test Practice, has urged both learners and experienced drivers to exercise caution when another driver flashes their lights, or risk causing a crash.
The Common Mistake
Addressing a frequently asked question, Annie said: 'Is it okay to flash your lights to let somebody know that you’re letting them out of a junction, or flashing your lights to thank somebody?' The answer, she emphasised, is a firm no. Speaking to her 1.2 million TikTok followers, she explained: 'No, it’s not. You should flash your lights as a warning to warn other road users of your presence.'
What to Do When Someone Flashes You
Annie posed a critical question: 'What are you going to do if somebody flashes their lights at you? What are you going to do in your driving test if somebody flashes their lights to say you can come out?' She advised all road users: 'The first thing you’re going to do is make sure that they are talking to you, that they are flashing their lights for you, and that it's actually safe for you to do what they’re asking you to do. So you don’t need to ignore them, but you need to be very cautious and very careful. Don’t go if it’s not safe. If it is safe, make sure they’re actually talking to you. Because you don’t know, there could be somebody behind you.'
A Real-Life Example
The qualified driving instructor and instructor trainer, with over a decade of experience, recalled a past incident: 'I was in a driving lesson many years ago, and somebody flashed their lights. A car driver went, and at the same time, an ambulance driver behind them went. They crashed into each other. So make sure they’re talking to you.' She concluded that flashing lights is 'not necessary' unless it serves as a warning to others of your presence.
What the Highway Code Says
According to the Highway Code, Rule 104 advises drivers to 'watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when you are satisfied that it is safe.' Rule 110, which covers flashing headlights, states: '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.' Rule 111 further stresses: 'Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.'
