Vehicle hazard lights; the…Do’s and Don’ts…of when are you permitted to use them…

Guidance from the Department for Transport clearly sets out the circumstances when …and the situations where, drivers should consider using the vehicle’s hazard warning lights to warn other road users and this guidance also sets out when drivers must not use the vehicle’s hazard warning lights.

The Highway Code states that….

A vehicle’s Hazard Warning Lights (HWL) may be used when your vehicle is stationary (the term ‘at rest’ is actually used in the Code)… and causing an obstruction, in order to warn other road users that your vehicle is temporarily obstructing traffic.

There is no requirement that you must use your HWL when stationary (and causing an obstruction)  though you might choose to do so in circumstances where, for instance, you have broken down, or have run out of fuel, or have had an accident or been forced to stop your vehicle because of an obstruction in the road.

However The Highway Code clearly states when you must not use your hazard warning lights that being whilst the vehicle is in motion or it is being towed. There is an exception to this rule when you are driving on a motorway or an unrestricted (in relation to the road’s speed limit) dual carriageway when you may use your HWL when your vehicle is moving in order to warn following drivers of the need to slow down because of a temporary obstruction on the road ahead. However, if using the HWL in these circumstances, the guidance is to use your HWL for such period only as is long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed by others.

In accordance with the principles set out in The Highway Code it is clear that the only time you should use your hazard lights is when your vehicle is stationary and is causing a traffic obstruction and when your vehicle is in motion that you should only use your hazard warning lights briefly to warn following drivers but only when you are on a motorway or an unrestricted dual carriageway.

Of course, you must never at any time use your hazard warning lights as ‘an indication’ to others that you have parked your vehicle in a dangerous place or you have illegally parked your vehicle and although sometimes seen when driving, neither should you use your hazard warning lights by way of a ‘thank-you’ indication, given to another driver in appreciation of the manner of their driving as shown towards you.

For expert advice upon any road traffic matter contact our motoring department on 01606 592159 to arrange free initial telephone advice.