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As different states have laws regulating when you should and shouldn’t use your hazard lights, their legal use will vary by state. Section ; Print; PDF; email; Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Reply. Flashing lights are often used as a warning for other people on the road. For example, if you have broken down on the side of the road, or you are changing a tyre. When your car is having trouble, when you are driving slowly, when your car is at a full stop due to difficulties or an emergency, and to let other drivers know of an upcoming road hazard—these are all acceptable uses of your vehicle’s hazard lights. You may also receive auditory feedback, depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. When Should You Not Use Hazard Lights 1. Your hazard lights can be seen at all corners of your car - they’re the lights usually used as your indicators. It would be the height of conceit and selfishness to think that improper use of hazard lights is a trivial matter, because it places your life - and that of other road users - at risk. When you turn on your hazard warning lights, all four of your turn signals flash at the same time. Never use them when your car is moving, especially during heavy downpours, as the car behind you wouldn't know if … Idaho: Hazard light use is not permitted while driving except to indicate the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking or passing. A serious crash could result.You are unable to use your turn signals when your hazard lights are in use. Danny Isla (car industry executive) - Hazard lights are supposed to be used when your car is immobile. Car Accident Cases can put you in touch with an attorney who handles accidents caused by hazard lights to help you explore your legal options. In poor weather, a driver coming to a stop who is flashing his hazard lights appears to be continuing his rate of speed to the drivers behind him. “You’re not supposed to use hazard lights unless your car is stalled,” Ubezonu said. Hazard lights definition is - special lights on a vehicle that flash on and off and are used to warn other drivers of a dangerous situation (such as when the vehicle is not working properly). These are warning lights which flashes both the indicator at the same time, it is mostly used to alert other drivers if there is any fault in your vehicle. Consider using your car’s hazard lights when: Getting pulled over. Driving in Heavy Traffic. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. They may not understand that your vehicle is moving and they may try to stop quickly or swerve to avoid you. There's no law preventing it, and it's nowhere to be found in the NC DOT's Safety guidelines. I bet Florida is not the only state where it is unlawful to use "hazard lights" when driving. Some drivers are even quick to turn on their hazard lights when parking illegally, but all it does is call attention to the fact that they’re being inconsiderate. Hazard lights - definition of hazard lights by The Free Dictionary . Illinois: The use of hazard lights is not permitted while driving. If anything, they ought to be in the RIGHT lane if they are driving far slower than the average flow of traffic. However, using your hazard lights when your car is moving is risky because:Other drivers may not understand what you mean. In this video, I tell you why you've probably been using your hazard lights wrong the whole time! They are to warn other road users that you are a temporary hazard. Using hazard lights when visibility is poor or when weather conditions present a threat has its pros and cons. Hazard lights indicate to other motorists that you are stopped and need assistance. The law firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A. Generally, the Department of Transport states that warning lights can only be used on an unrestricted dual carriageway or a motorway. Hazard lights can be confusing for the other drivers on the road if it is not obvious why you are using them. It is switched on by a button on the dashboard or steering column with a triangle sign. When to use hazard lights They are to warn other roa d users that you are a temporary hazard. Required fields are marked *. In these scenarios, it is best to consult your state laws regarding the use of hazard lights. What drives me nuts is when some drivers use them when it is raining and they're driving 45 mph in a 70 mph zone in the center lane of Interstate 95. If you are being towed, you should use your hazard warning lights. When do you use Hazard Lights? Hazard lights usually disable turn signal use, which can prevent other drivers from anticipating when you need to turn or switch lanes. Also known as “hazards,” “emergency blinkers” or “four-way flashers,” these lights help your fellow drivers see you when something is wrong with your car, or when you need to stop unexpectedly. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed. Hazard lights. Yes, there are some cars (VW cars) which will switch off the hazard lights when you turn on your indicator. Accidents have occurred because a driver was inappropriately using his hazard lights and the drivers around him. The Highway Code states that hazard warning lights ‘may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that is temporarily obstructing traffic. Laws should clearly mention when not to use hazard lights. Hazard lights indicate to other motorists that you are stopped and need assistance. Contact Us; Select Page. Subaru hazard warning light. How much daylight reaches inside a building depends on the amount and direction of sunlight, cloud cover, local terrain, and the season. Long story short, it is not recommended to use these lights when the vehicle is in motion. Your email address will not be published. I reckon use of hazard lights at bus stops is not only pointless, it actually causes problems when the bus driver wants to pull out. It might seem like a smart precaution to take in wet weather, but experts advise against doing it -- and many states have outlawed the practice. When are you supposed to use hazard lights? Oddly enough, the rules for hazard light use vary greatly from one state to another. Which I tapped on my brakes only to get high-beamed they ’ re the lights on may to... Fog while entering into the tunnel best to consult your state laws in their state regarding the use. To use hazard lights at the same time dashboard or steering column with triangle. 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