Drivers face up to £200 fine and penalty points for common courtesy

This popular habit could breach the Highway Code and land you with a fine and penalty points

Being courteous on the road is important – but on occasion it can actually prove to be a hazard. You may believe you’re simply being polite, but if you make this widespread driving error, you could find yourself £200 worse off.

Flashing your headlights at fellow motorists is commonly regarded as a way of saying thank you, or even to alert other drivers to upcoming police checks, but experts are urging drivers to abandon the habit.

Despite seeming friendly and innocuous, it can actually contravene the Highway Code and result in some severe penalties.

Neil Atkinson, owner of Carrosserie, said: “Flashing your headlights has become second nature for a lot of drivers in the UK, and many see it as a courteous gesture.

“But in reality, it’s often misunderstood. The Highway Code is very clear that headlights should only be used to let other road users know you’re there, not to communicate messages or instructions.”

According to Highway Code Rule 110, motorists are instructed to “only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there.”

Should you flash your lights for any other purpose, it can be regarded as misuse and constitute a breach of the law, reports the Express.

Drivers can face penalties of between £100 and £200, along with three to six penalty points for careless driving.

If you are found to have flashed your lights to tip off other drivers about speed cameras or police checks, the consequences can be even more severe.

Being caught engaging in this behaviour could lead to a charge of “wilfully obstructing a constable” under Section 89 of the Police Act 1996, which carries a potential fine of up to £1,000.

Neil cautioned: “A lot of drivers don’t realise that trying to warn others about police activity could actually be seen as interfering with law enforcement.

“It’s always safer to stick to the official guidance and avoid using your headlights for anything other than making your presence known.”