Drivers could face £1,000 fine for HELPING other drivers – here’s how not to get caught out

DRIVERS could find themselves slapped with a hefty £1,000 fine – even when they are helping other road users out with this kind gesture.

Motorists have been warned they could be severely out of pocket if they use their headlights incorrectly.

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This could also apply if a driver was being considerate to another person behind the wheel and using their headlights to let a motorist go first.

A recent survey of some 2,000 road users by revealed that more than half of British drivers were unaware of the rule.

Phil Morgan, Head of findandfundmycar.com, said: “While the chances of getting fined for doing any of the offences are extremely low, they’re still not worth the risk.

"While some of the offences might not be commonly known, nobody wants to risk their safety or have to pay a hefty fine for something that they didn’t know was going to cost them, so it’s best to know these sooner rather than later.

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“What may be considered a friendly warning to other drivers can actually have consequences.

“Speed cameras and police officers are there to keep everyone safe so it’s vital they are respected.”

Rule 110 of the Highway Code states: "Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there."

And 111 adds: "Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed.

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"Use your own judgement and proceed carefully."

Smaller on-the-spot fines of £100 are likely if your headlines are faulty, but intentionally misusing them is much more serious.

Wrongly flashing someone to let them know they can proceed is unlikely to lead to a fine - but warning drivers about upcoming speed cameras is quite different.

Motorists who warn other drivers of a speed trap on the road ahead could be slammed with a £1,000 fine.

If you're caught doing that, you could be charged with breaching of section 89 of the Police Act 1996.

This law says it's an offence to "wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty" and carries a maximum fine of £1,000.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “The Highway Code is clear that drivers should only flash their headlights in certain situations.

"While some may think warning others of a speed camera is a charitable thing to do, the reality is that they are impeding police duties and only get themselves in trouble instead.”

There is one case where it is appropriate to flash your lights.

This is to warn another driver of a hazard in the direction they are travelling – this could be to warn drivers of a road accident, flash flood or icy road.

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In other motoring news, these are the rules you need to be aware of when you can and can't drive with a flat tyre.

Hogging the middle lane could see you slapped with a £100 fine and three points.

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