From time to time, I review the visitor statistics for SpeedTrapAhead.org, just to see what people are searching for when they click to this site. There are always the usual keywords: speed trap, police radar, speeding ticket, James DeBrow (heh, heh), etc. But, I’m amazed at how often the search for “flashing headlights to warn drivers” shows up. Apparently, there are alot of people who are concerned about the legal aspects of flashing headlights to warn other drivers of cops ahead.

There ARE quite a few references to this issue on other sites; but, I thought I’d submit my perspective on the subject. Ever since I was a little kid, I can remember my dad flashing his lights at other cars for some reason or another. It’s a great communication tool, whether it’s to signal “I’m about to pass you”, “You’re clear”, “Thanks”, “Dim your lights”, or “Danger ahead”. My Granddad did it. My father did it. I do it! I think it’s just a natural way to communicate non-verbally. However, it seems to be more common lately for people to worry about whether they’re gonna get into trouble for warning others in this manner.

There is not any law in any state, that I am aware of, that proscribes telling other motorists about the presence of a police officer, whether it is one performing traffic enforcement duties, or any other officer for that matter. Drivers have always used one method or another to warn of upcoming trouble. Cell phones, CB radios, waves out the window, and flashing of the headlights are just a few of the ways one can warn motorists of something on the road ahead — including “speed traps”.

In some states, however, there ARE laws that prohibit flashing your lights or, more specifically, for failing to dim your high beams for oncoming traffic. The Texas Drivers Handbook recommends dimming your headlights when approaching traffic gets within 500 feet. So, technically, if you “flash your lights” when another vehicle is within 500 feet, you’re breaking the law. (Texas Transportation Code, Sec. 547.333, (c)(1)(A))

There is NO mention of, or regulation concerning, the use of fog lights. So, I would guess, flashing your fog lights wouldn’t be an issue.

If you WERE to flash your lights, and an officer saw it, he’d probably be annoyed because he knows the real reason you’re doing it. He may even pull you over and issue you a ticket for… well… something. Just why, though, should law enforcement dislike this kind of thing? It only enforces what the officers are trying to do in the first place — slow traffic and promote safety (even if they don’t get that revenue by issuing a ticket). Sometimes, when I see a driver who is obviously driving erratically and being an idiot, I’ll flash my lights, even when there’s no officer around, just to get them to slow down! Am I going to get in trouble for THAT?

The other side of this whole discussion is: “Why should I flash my lights at ANYone? They deserve to get a ticket!” Well, in my opinion, there’s really nothing wrong with that philosophy. Heck, if you think that way, you might want to invent a signal for “SPEED UP!”, just to assure that they get what they deserve?

The reality is: Flashing your lights usually gets people to slow down — whether there are police or not.

So, why not flash your lights at every driver you see.

The WHOLE WORLD will slow down — or not!