Drivers have been warned they could be slapped with a £5,000 fine for breaking "little-known" traffic rules which breach the Highway Code.
The warning comes as the UK sees more cars on the roads during the busy summer period, with experts urging drivers to follow the traffic light rules, particularly as roadworks take place.
During periods of heavy roadworks, traffic management systems are typically installed to help manage congestion, including temporary lights.
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Experts are urging drivers to understand how the sensors on some traffic lights function in a bid to stop them being hit with penalties.
Drivers could be fined £5,000 for flashing headlights at traffic stops
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Some temporary lights run on timers, meaning they change at specific times, while others use sensors that activate when a vehicle approaches.
These systems use "microwave radar sensors" to detect approaching vehicles and adjust signal timings accordingly.
The sensors work by sending a signal to the traffic light controller when an approaching vehicle is detected, allowing the lights to change and manage traffic flow more efficiently.
Experts warned that if drivers fail to get close enough to the traffic light to trigger the sensor, they could be stuck waiting "an eternity" for it to turn green.
Drivers have been warned that some temporary traffic lights operate on sensors rather than timers
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Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: "Nobody enjoys being stuck at a traffic light waiting for it to turn green - but we suspect many motorists simply aren't aware that their own driving habits could be making the problem worse.
"Many temporary traffic lights use radar sensors that require a vehicle to be close enough to trigger the light change. If a vehicle isn't near enough, the lights will prioritise traffic coming from another direction where they can sense cars - leaving you unnecessarily stuck on red for ages."
He warned that this can cause traffic to build in one direction, "which can take many rotations of the lights to clear, and potentially cause anger and frustration all around".
"Frustratingly, the same issue can be caused if a driver stops too close to the light itself, beyond the sensor," he added.
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The expert has also addressed several myths surrounding temporary traffic lights, including that flashing headlights could trigger the light change.
Conway said: "The sensors in modern traffic lights don't respond to the light frequencies emitted by headlights - so it's pointless flashing your lights at them in an attempt to speed up the colour change process."
Motorists also risk dazzling other road users, which is an offence that could see them charged with driving without due care and attention.
Rule 114 states: "You must not use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders."
Drivers can be fined £100 for misusing headlights on UK roads
| GETTYDrivers caught misusing headlights can be hit with a £100 fine and points on their driving licence, although more serious cases could see a £5,000 fine and "the threat of a driving ban".
A spokesperson from BigWantsYourCar.com added: "Flashing headlights is commonly used by drivers to signal other motorists, but many are unaware that this practice can land them with a substantial fine.
"A simple headlight check can ensure that you are not unintentionally dazzling other road users or creating dangerous driving conditions. It's vital that headlights are used responsibly, especially in low-visibility conditions, to keep the roads safe for everyone."