'You've been warned' alert to anyone who flashes car headlights to other drivers

'You've been warned' alert to anyone who flashes car headlights to other drivers Common headlight mistakes that could put road users at risk and lead to fines of up to £5,000 As dense fog continues to shroud parts of the UK, the Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings. In light of this, motoring experts are cautioning drivers that five common headlight errors could endanger road users and potentially result in fines of up to £5,000. With fog dramatically cutting visibility across affected regions, motorists are confronting dangerous driving conditions, especially during their morning journeys. Reduced visibility can make it more difficult to identify other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards, underscoring the critical importance of proper headlight use. Experts at automotive and motorcycle dealership Dick Lovett are calling on drivers to exercise extra care when travelling in fog. They caution that failing to use dipped headlights when visibility drops below 100 metres, or incorrectly using full beams, could create further dangers on the road. Yet it is not only driving in fog that can land motorists in difficulty. From flashing headlights to thank other drivers or alert them to speed cameras, to misusing hazard warning lights and driving with dirty or clouded headlights, numerous everyday motoring practices could lead to penalties. Alex Lee, a motoring expert at Dick Lovett, has identified five common headlight and vehicle lighting errors that drivers should steer clear of, particularly as foggy conditions persist across parts of the country. Below, Alex outlines five of the most frequent mistakes, the potential penalties motorists could face, and how drivers can ensure they are using their lights properly during periods of poor visibility, reports Wales Online. 1. Flashing headlights As a visual means of communication, some drivers frequently use their headlights to alert other road users to various things. These include thanking them, informing them they have forgotten to switch their headlights on, and acting as a hazard warning to signal dangers on the road. However, if caught making a 'friendly' headlight-flashing gesture, Alex warns drivers could land themselves in trouble, as it is against the law. According to the UK Highway Code, flashing your headlights to thank other drivers is illegal and can lead to a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence. Rule 110 explicitly states that headlights should be used solely to alert other road users to your presence, not to convey personal messages, greet others, or invite them to proceed. Misusing your lights in this manner can cause dangerous confusion on the road, misinform pedestrians, or even make you a target for "flash-for-cash" scams, meaning drivers should stick to safe, official methods of communication. With more than 205,000 drivers found guilty of speeding offences in 2024, Alex says it comes as little surprise that some motorists warn others about speed cameras and mobile police speed-check vans on the road. Flashing headlights remains one of the most common methods of doing so. Alex cautions, however, that drivers caught doing this could face fines of up to £1,000, as it would legally be classified as 'obstructing police duties' under section 89 of the Police Act 1997. Alex added: "And while it might feel nice to help and look out for a fellow driver, it could lead to more reckless drivers on the road if they're not caught by police and fined accordingly. Remember, speed limits are there to keep everyone, including you, safe." Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings 2. Misusing hazard lights Hazard warning lights are occasionally used as an alternative means of communicating with other road users, though not always in situations that genuinely call for their use, according to Alex. For instance, many drivers may activate their hazard warnings while 'parked' somewhere they arguably shouldn't be, as a way of signalling to other motorists that they remain in the vehicle. The Highway Code, however, is unequivocal on the matter, stating: "Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking". Illegal parking can result in fines, though the amounts vary as they are typically set by the relevant local authority. Another widespread misuse of hazard warning lights involves briefly flashing them to show gratitude to fellow drivers. However, incorrect use of hazard lights could leave you facing a charge of 'driving without due care and attention'. This constitutes an offence under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1998 and could result in a £100 fine and three points on your licence, though the most serious cases may be referred to court, where penalties can reach as high as £5,000, plus nine points or a driving ban. 3. Misusing full beam headlights There are no specific laws in the UK prohibiting the use of full beam headlights, Alex explains. Nevertheless, the Highway Code stipulates that "you MUST NOT use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users". Should you be found to be causing difficulties for other motorists by driving with full beam headlights activated, you could face a charge of inconsiderate driving or 'driving without due care and attention' - carrying a fixed-rate fine of £100 and three points, though drivers could face fines of up to £5,000 and nine points or a ban if the matter is taken to court. Alex says: "If you're confused about when to use full beam headlights, it's best to only use them on unlit stretches of road at night. When road users start coming in the oncoming direction (including both pedestrians and cyclists) then you must turn off your full beam to avoid dazzling other road users and potentially causing accidents as a result." 4. Misusing dipped headlights According to the Highway Code, dipped headlights should be used whenever visibility is reduced, or when you are unable to see more than 100 metres (328 feet) ahead of your vehicle. "Basically, any time you're driving at night or during bad weather", Alex said. The motoring expert cautions that failing to switch on your headlights when visibility is this poor could result in a £100 fine if stopped by police, and if the same offence is detected again, this penalty can increase to £1,000. In more serious circumstances, however, a police officer could also charge you with dangerous driving, which carries a minimum 12-month driving ban. Motorists with automatic headlights should not rely solely on their vehicle to judge when to activate their dipped headlights. Alex warns that these systems may fail to engage in certain conditions, such as heavy rain or fog. 5. Having dirty or cloudy headlights Throughout the winter months, our headlights can develop a foggy or clouded appearance. This is mainly due to a build-up of road grime and salt. Clouded headlights can significantly impair our visibility and cause dazzle for other motorists, making it crucial to keep them clean, Alex says. In fact, driving with clouded headlights is against the law. If stopped, you could face a charge of 'driving without due care and attention' - carrying a fixed penalty of £100 and three points - though motorists could be hit with fines reaching £5,000 and nine points or even a driving ban if the matter goes to court. Alex highlights that the Highway Code stipulates: "Lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear". He said: "Having cloudy headlights could also cause you to fail your MOT."