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Drivers could be issued a hefty \u00a31,000 fine for pressing one button as a thank you gesture while behind the wheel, according to experts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The gesture may not be against the law but is likely to be a breach of Highway Code regulations.<\/p>\n
Rule 116 of the Highway Code clearly states that drivers \u2018must not use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed\u2019 unless for certain reasons.\u00a0<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> Motorists may be slapped with costly \u2018on the spot\u2019 fine while driving in Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n The lights should only be displayed if road users \u2018are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway, and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk warned flicking on the warning lights may cause motorists behind to take unnecessary action.\u00a0<\/p>\n He said: \u201cOne of the issues is that although the motorist you\u2019re responding to may understand the gesture, others may not be aware why your hazard lights are on.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPressing 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n DON’T MISS <\/strong> Compare the Market recently revealed that motorists caught out could be slapped with further punishments.\u00a0<\/p>\n They warned a simple flash could also see motorists issued a whopping nine penalty points on their driving licence.<\/p>\n According to Compare the Market, many road users were unclear on rules with 37 percent not realising using hazard lights was not allowed.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/24\/590x\/secondary\/hazard-warning-lights-5085765.jpg?r=1700993014665\")
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