How flashing your headlights can land you a £1000 fine

It may feel like the government will do anything to take your money away on the road. Maybe they do, but remember that officer’s are just doing their job. Of all things, flashing your lights can land you one of the biggest fines.

Everybody that has passed their driving test knows that you can use your headlights to alert other drivers of your presence. However, you can’t do so to convey any other messages. If you’re caught flashing your headlights to warn others of speed cameras or roadside police checks, you’re going to land yourself in big trouble.

“Don’t think I didn’t see that, ma’am.” (Image: BBC)

 The fine

This breaches rules 110 and 111 of the highway code, as well as section 89 of the Police Act 1997. This dictates that it’s an offence to ‘willfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty’. Worst case scenarios are a £1000 fine or even a maximum of a month’s jail sentence.

Harsh punishments for something that seems very minor. Is this a clear indication that speed traps are simply for making money, rather than slowing down traffic? We all had our suspicions anyway.

Source: Legislation