Drivers could be issued a hefty £1,000 fine for pressing one button as a thank you gesture while behind the wheel, according to experts.
Specialists at TrackDays.co.uk have warned motorists flashing their car hazard lights at other road users could have devastating consequences due to a little-known driving rule.
Putting on the rear lights for just a few seconds is common on UK roads at night where a hand wave may not be noticed by road users.
The gesture may not be against the law but is likely to be a breach of Highway Code regulations.
Rule 116 of the Highway Code clearly states that drivers ‘must not use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed’ unless for certain reasons.
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The lights should only be displayed if road users ‘are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway, and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead.’
Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk warned flicking on the warning lights may cause motorists behind to take unnecessary action.
He said: “One of the issues is that although the motorist you’re responding to may understand the gesture, others may not be aware why your hazard lights are on.
“Pressing the hazard button is meant to be a warning to others that there is an obstruction or hazard they should be alert to. Incorrectly using it may cause someone else to suddenly brake and cause an accident.”
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Compare the Market recently revealed that motorists caught out could be slapped with further punishments.
They warned a simple flash could also see motorists issued a whopping nine penalty points on their driving licence.
According to Compare the Market, many road users were unclear on rules with 37 percent not realising using hazard lights was not allowed.
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A recent report from the Department for Transport (DfT) showed a whopping 13,559 car crashes over the last decade were caused by signal confusion.
Dan concluded: “The darker autumn and winter seasons makes it harder for drivers to see further ahead down the road which impacts hazard perception reactions.
“Us Brits tend to have a reputation for being overly polite and apologetic, so it is worth considering whether you really need to pop your hazards on if someone lets you out.”
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