Driving on Australian roads comes with its own set of rules and etiquette.

Some of these rules are common courtesy to many drivers.

However, what's considered a friendly heads-up to your fellow motorists could be a costly mistake.

Flashing your headlights to warn others of speed cameras or random breath tests (RBTs) could lead to hefty fines.

This came as a surprise, as it's a practice adopted by drivers across the country.

Flashing one's headlights alert other drivers about oncoming traffic or give a heads-up for law enforcement ahead.

However, in New South Wales, this could fine drivers for up to $2200.

Bright, high beam lights could cause temporary blindness to other drivers and pedestrians. Image Credit: Pexels/Caner Kökçü

While the gesture is well-intentioned, it's essential to understand why it's against the law.

Astor Legal's Principal Lawyer, Avinash Singh, noted a significant increase in offences related to flashing headlights.

This has been prevalent in areas where mobile speed cameras or RBTs are in operation.

'Many people believe they cannot be charged for flashing their headlights to warn of police because there is no specific rule that prohibits this,' Mr Singh explained.

However, under Rule 218-1 of the NSW Road Rules 2014, it's an offence to use high-beam headlights when there is another vehicle incoming within 200 metres.

Regulation 219 of the law also stated that NSW drivers should not use any light fitted to their vehicle that could dazzle another road user.

This rule aimed to prevent accidents caused by temporary blindness from bright lights, especially at night.

Police catch flashing drivers in the act by setting up observation points near speed cameras or RBTs.

Officers stationed nearby look for drivers trying to circumvent the checks or flashing other drivers.

Mr Singh also mentioned that Australian states and territories have varying laws regarding headlights.

Victoria and Queensland have similar laws in NSW, as they prohibit using high-beam headlights within 200 metres of another vehicle.

However, the laws are more lenient in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

They allow drivers to flash their headlights briefly before overtaking another vehicle.

Regardless of state, the best course of action is to always adhere to the speed limits.

If you're concerned about the safety of other drivers, consider reporting dangerous conditions or hazards to the authorities.

Key Takeaways

• NSW drivers could be fined up to $2200 for illegally flashing their headlights.
• Drivers flash their headlights to warn others about speed cameras or random breathing tests (RBTs) on the road.
• According to legal experts, there has been an increase in offences related to flashing headlights.
• Other states and territories applied varying regulations about headlights but encouraged drivers to practise caution and safety on the road.

Have you ever been fined for flashing your headlights? Share your experiences and thoughts about this rule in the comments section below!

 

[Robbo3006]

Filthy revenue raising grubs. You're allowed to flash your lights to warn road users of impending danger, they work for Us, but like politicians, they think we work for them.

 

[Senior20628]

Hello,
I, as many understand the flashing of lights to warn others of a police camera ahead, but I don't believe it should be punishable.
A serious accident had just occurred a couple of weeks back, heading out to Goomeri, Qld andnthe Ambulance had just arrived. Many motorists were flashing oncoming traffic to slow down or be aware of something ahead.
Safe practice, I say.
I am sure the government get enough revenue from other sources.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

And WHO does not know this Law. Anyone with a license should.

 

[Senior20628]

Like honking the horn to say g'day, but it still happens?
Giving way to a pedestrian in the middle of a round about; still happens?
Motorists driving 20 klms under the speed limit; not illegal but a definite cause of backup on the roads?
Drivers who are merging believe they have the right to cut in front of other motorists; sorry must give way if no room to merge, but it still happens,
Drivers exiting their vehicles when parallel to the main traffic with door wide open; unsafe practice like many mentioned, but it still happens.
Careless, wreckless behaviour on the road; not illegal regarding some but worse than flashing lights, my opinion.

 

[Kman]

Like honking the horn to say g'day, but it still happens?
Giving way to a pedestrian in the middle of a round about; still happens?
Motorists driving 20 klms under the speed limit; not illegal but a definite cause of backup on the roads?
Drivers who are merging believe they have the right to cut in front of other motorists; sorry must give way if no room to merge, but it still happens,
Drivers exiting their vehicles when parallel to the main traffic with door wide open; unsafe practice like many mentioned, but it still happens.
Careless, wreckless behaviour on the road; not illegal regarding some but worse than flashing lights, my opinion.

As a matter of fact, I know that in SA it is an offence to drive below the posted speed limit as it "hinders the flow of traffic". And it is a fineable offence.

 

[Greg350]

Filthy revenue raising grubs. You're allowed to flash your lights to warn road users of impending danger, they work for Us, but like politicians, they think we work for them.

Where do the laws say you can use high beams to warn of danger?
Please cite this mythical road rule?

 

[Greg350]

As a matter of fact, I know that in SA it is an offence to drive below the posted speed limit as it "hinders the flow of traffic". And it is a fineable offence.

WRONG, you can be fined for unreasonably obstructing others and there is no set speed. There is an example only of going 20 in an 80 zone, that's one quarter of the limit. That's nothing like driving below the posted limit.

 

[Jest]

how dumb are some. been a rule for yonks. here is another do not drive with any part of your body out the window. a $300 odd fine.

 

[UNIT1000]

beaing atruck driver for over 4o yers now car driver overtaking semitralers i flashmy lits to make the driver awear im over taking even when i was driving syd to mel all drivers flash to make the one in front awear that im over taking not all drivers have there 2 ways turned on

 

[Jo Piper3]

As a matter of fact, I know that in SA it is an offence to drive below the posted speed limit as it "hinders the flow of traffic". And it is a fineable offence.

Lucky I don't live in SA. I would not be able to afford the fines. Is this really true?

 

[Rob44]

As a matter of fact, I know that in SA it is an offence to drive below the posted speed limit as it "hinders the flow of traffic". And it is a fineable offence.

What is below the posted speed limit? I know someone booked for driving at 1.2 km above the local speed limit; he fought it and lost. Even when I set the speed on my modern hi-tech car, there is enough variation in speed according to slope of road to get booked either above or below the speed limit by some unctions self-righteous camera or cop hiding behind the bushes with his "speed'' gun.

 

[Rob44]

how dumb are some. been a rule for yonks. here is another do not drive with any part of your body out the window. a $300 odd fine.

Now about that damn silly Alsatian dog with its head out of the window barking at other cars..........

 

[David567]

The government have become the worst SCAMMERS of all. They will do anyhthing to get money from the public.

 

[Chris P Bacon]

One way around both regulations would be to flash your headlights without the high beam. See what the police argument for that would be.