Police say drivers could be fined £1,000 for simply ‘warning drivers’ of this issue
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Police officers have revealed motorists were flashing at other drivers to warn them that Enforcement crews were positioned nearby. Officers from Cotswold Police warned this was an offence and could see drivers issued penalties if they were caught.
In a post on Twitter, Cotswolds Police said: “Our Speed Camera Enforcement Team have been out in the North Cotswolds today in Bourton-on-the-Hill.
“We noticed the flashing of lights warning drivers, this an offence and can land you with a £1,000 fine!!”
But there are fears many road users may not be aware of the simple rule which could see many unsuspecting drovers caught out.
Commenting on the post, one road user said: “An offence? How so? Please explain. (I’m not doubting you, I’d just like to understand what is/isn’t an offence).”
In a post on Twitter, Cotswolds Police said: “Our Speed Camera Enforcement Team have been out in the North Cotswolds today in Bourton-on-the-Hill.
“We noticed the flashing of lights warning drivers, this an offence and can land you with a £1,000 fine!!”
But there are fears many road users may not be aware of the simple rule which could see many unsuspecting drivers caught out.
Commenting on the post, one road user said: “An offence? How so? Please explain. (I’m not doubting you, I’d just like to understand what is/isn’t an offence).”
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Rule 110 warns “do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or initimidate other road users”.
Motorists could be breaching the Police Act 1996 which says anyone has committed an offence if they “wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of duty”.
Simply flashing your headlights could be enough for drivers to fall foul of this law which comes with a maximum penalty of £1,000.
But in extreme cases road users could attract a one month jail sentence in a major blow for road users unaware of the law.
Breaching the Highway Code could also see your car insurance policy become affected which could see costs rise.
This is because driving convictions are likely to increase your overall perceived road risk which would see monthly premiums increase.
Neil Greig, spokesperson for IAM RoadSmart has previously warned drivers that speed traps should not be hidden as they are vital to slowing down traffic.
He has previously said flashing other drivers to warn them of speed cameras or officers was “illegal and unnecessary behaviour”.
He added: “Speed traps should not be hidden as they are there to slow down traffic not issue tickets.
“Anyone aggrieved by the way a camera is being used should take it up with their local safety camera partnership rather than taking the law into their own hands.”
Drivers who flash their headlights at other road users also run the risk of distracting them with the glare.
Under some cases, road users may be penalised with careless or dangerous driving penalties which can see costs rise.
In extreme circumstances, road users could be liable for a £5,000 fine and a temporary driving ban.
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