Motorists risk £1,000 fine for common driving habit breaching Highway Code headlight rule this winter

The practice, widely regarded as a courteous gesture among road users, is in fact illegal under the Highway Code. Enforcement officers are now intensifying efforts to tackle the widespread, but illegal, behaviour.

Many drivers have remained completely oblivious to the fact this seemingly harmless act constitutes a breach of traffic regulations.

According to experts, the scenario unfolds countless times each day across British roads and occurs when a motorist notices a police speed trap and quickly flashes approaching traffic, believing they are doing others a favour.

However, this well-intentioned action is classified as obstructing police duties under current legislation. Highway Code Rule 110 sets out precisely when drivers may use their headlights.

The rule states: "Flashing headlights. 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."

This provision means that alerting oncoming motorists to speed enforcement operations falls outside the permitted use of headlight flashing. The regulation applies regardless of how commonplace the habit has become among British drivers.

Automotive specialists at Pure Digital PR explained: "The law is very clear, headlights are a safety communication tool, not a signalling system for speed traps.

"Most motorists have no idea this simple gesture is against the law, but it can carry surprisingly serious consequences."

The automotive specialists added that drivers often believe they're helping someone avoid a fine, "when in reality they're interfering with police efforts to reduce dangerous driving".

Experts noted that a driver "thinking they're being friendly could end up out of pocket fast with both a fine and points on their licence".

Motorists caught using their headlights inappropriately face financial penalties of up to £200, along with points being recorded on their driving licence.

However, the consequences become considerably more severe in cases where authorities determine the driver deliberately interfered with police operations.

Under these circumstances, fines can escalate to £1,000, with the motorist also facing prosecution for obstruction.

The distinction between a standard offence and deliberate hindrance of law enforcement activities determines the severity of punishment.

The gap between what many consider acceptable social behaviour and the legal reality has generated considerable confusion among the driving public.

Beyond the legal ramifications, genuine safety issues surround the practice of warning other drivers about speed traps. Police depend on enforcement measures to catch and discourage motorists who drive dangerously, and headlight warnings compromise these vital road safety efforts.

The sudden burst of light from an oncoming vehicle can also prove hazardous in itself, with Pure Digital PR warning that a sudden flash from another car "can distract, startle, or cause sudden braking, all potential accident triggers".