1. Headlight flashing

Headlight flashing is when a driver quickly turns their vehicle’s high beams (or sometimes low beams) on and off in a quick burst to signal a message to other road users. Use clear and cautious timing—don’t flash too quickly or aggressively, and avoid it in fog, heavy rain, or at night if it might blind others.

  • Warning of danger ahead - Such as an accident, road hazard, or police speed trap.
  • Yielding right of way - Telling another driver or pedestrian “go ahead”.
  • Alerting a vehicle - Letting someone know their lights are off, a door is open, or there’s a problem with their car.
  • In some places, flashing headlights to warn of speed traps is illegal.
  • Interpretation can vary by region or country.
Headlight flashing

Headlights of a Toyota Avalon 2014. © Wikimedia.org/A. Bailey, CC BY-SA