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Dangerous driving and speeding are among the most significant issues on UK roads. To ensure safety and prevent accidents, speed limits are enforced across the country.
Speed cameras are a common tool used by police forces and highway agencies to deter speeding motorists. These can be found on residential roads with a 30mph limit, as well as on A roads, dual carriageways and motorways where the speed limit is either 60mph or 70mph.
Police also occasionally use mobile speed cameras, which are vans parked at the side of the road. The minimum penalty for being caught by a speed camera is a £100 fine and three points on your licence.
However, it’s worth noting that drivers could face even larger fines for passing through speed cameras – even if they’re under the speed limit – if they engage in one particular activity. This typically involves mobile speed cameras, as these can appear unexpectedly and catch drivers off guard.
For many years, drivers have commonly warned others about the presence of a mobile speed camera by flashing their headlights. If you’re driving along a road and see several drivers flashing their lights at you from the opposite direction, this is likely the reason, reports Birmingham Live.
While you might think you’re helping fellow motorists by flashing your headlights to warn them of a speed trap ahead, you could actually be breaking the law. Good intentions aside, this act is not only against the Highway Code but also carries a separate penalty under UK legislation.
The government’s website clarifies in rule 110 of the Highway Code: “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.”
Moreover, such actions could contravene section 89 of the Police Act 1997, which makes it an offence to wilfully obstruct a police officer during their duties, potentially resulting in a fine of up to £1,000.
