Jump to content

Headlight flashing: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎Urban legend: remove statement not supported by source
fixed link
Line 32: Line 32:
In [[Pennsylvania]], the [[Supreme Court of Pennsylvania]] has ruled that flashing one's highbeams during the day to warn of speed traps is legal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB5CE0BA75E8AFB&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=High-Beam Conviction Overturned \ Pa. Supreme Court: Man Broke No Law By Flashing Headlights To Warn Cars of Speed Trap|date=23 April 1999|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|accessdate=28 July 2009}}</ref>
In [[Pennsylvania]], the [[Supreme Court of Pennsylvania]] has ruled that flashing one's highbeams during the day to warn of speed traps is legal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PI&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB5CE0BA75E8AFB&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=High-Beam Conviction Overturned \ Pa. Supreme Court: Man Broke No Law By Flashing Headlights To Warn Cars of Speed Trap|date=23 April 1999|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|accessdate=28 July 2009}}</ref>


[[Washington]] law prohibits flashing one's high beams within 400 feet of another vehicle, including using them to signal for any reason.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30826449_ITM|title=Shedding light on flashing brights|last=Roe|first=Amy|date=18 May 2007|work=[[The Seattle Times]]|accessdate=28 July 2009}}</ref> Under section 46.37.230 of the Revised Code of Washington, flashing one's headlights illegally may result in a $124 traffic infraction.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/archives/152560.asp|title=Dim it! Is flashing high beams at cars illegal?|last=Castro|first=Hector|date=28 October 2008|work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]|publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]]|accessdate=29 July 2009}}</ref>
[[Washington]] law prohibits flashing one's high beams within 400 feet of another vehicle, including using them to signal for any reason.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003712164_ontheroad18e.html|title=Shedding light on flashing brights|last=Roe|first=Amy|date=18 May 2007|work=[[The Seattle Times]]|accessdate=28 July 2009}}</ref> Under section 46.37.230 of the Revised Code of Washington, flashing one's headlights illegally may result in a $124 traffic infraction.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattle911/archives/152560.asp|title=Dim it! Is flashing high beams at cars illegal?|last=Castro|first=Hector|date=28 October 2008|work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]|publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]]|accessdate=29 July 2009}}</ref>


[[Florida]] state statutes state "flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as a means of indicating a right or left turn, to change lanes, or to indicate that the vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled upon the highway".<ref name=Cridlin>{{cite news|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ljEMAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UV4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6544,634770&dq=flashing+headlights|title=Florida law is against the headlight flasher|last=Cridlin|first=Jay|date=16 May 2003|work=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|publisher=[[Times Publishing Company]]|accessdate=28 July 2009}}</ref> There are some exceptions to the law, such as when a driver flashes his headlights to tell another driver that his headlights are off, but there is no exception for warning of speed traps.<ref name=Cridlin/> A ticket for headlight flashing involves a [[moving violation]] and a $90 fine.<ref name=Cridlin/>
[[Florida]] state statutes state "flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as a means of indicating a right or left turn, to change lanes, or to indicate that the vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled upon the highway".<ref name=Cridlin>{{cite news|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ljEMAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UV4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6544,634770&dq=flashing+headlights|title=Florida law is against the headlight flasher|last=Cridlin|first=Jay|date=16 May 2003|work=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|publisher=[[Times Publishing Company]]|accessdate=28 July 2009}}</ref> There are some exceptions to the law, such as when a driver flashes his headlights to tell another driver that his headlights are off, but there is no exception for warning of speed traps.<ref name=Cridlin/> A ticket for headlight flashing involves a [[moving violation]] and a $90 fine.<ref name=Cridlin/>

Revision as of 09:09, 9 August 2009

Headlight flashing refers to the act of either briefly switching on the headlights of a car, or of momentarily switching between a headlight's high beams and low beams. This signal can mean a multitude of things, but is most often interpreted as a warning to other drivers of road hazards. Flashing has also been used to warn of speed traps, and as a form of aggressive driving. The legality of headlight flashing varies by jurisdiction.

History

Headlight flashing first became common among drivers in the mid-1960s, [1] when cars began to come with headlight beam selectors located on the steering column—typically activated by pulling the turn signal stalk—rather than the previous foot-operated pushbutton switches. The signal stalk configuration permitted the incorporation of momentary activation of the high beams regardless of whether the headlamp switch is turned on or off. Thus provided with the means, drivers began to attempt communication with one another by flashing their headlamps.[1]

Uses

Headlight flashing is commonly used to warn other drivers of dangers on the road.[2] It can also be used to inform drivers of problems with their car, such as headlamps left off after dark, burned out or misaimed lights, or misuse of high beam rather than low beam in traffic,[3] or to berate a driver who is driving poorly.[2] Headlight flashing coupled with blowing the car's horn can help clear deer from a driver's path.[4] Drivers often flash headlights to indicate the intention to pass another driver,[5][6] or to signal a driver who has just overtaken that he or she is far enough ahead to change back into the lane of the overtaken vehicle. Flashing is also commonly used to request or insist that a leading driver speed up or change lanes to get out of the way of a faster following driver.[7][8] Headlight flashing may also be a part of aggressive driving,[7] and can be used in an attempt to intimidate others into speeding or otherwise driving unsafely.[9] Headlight flashing can let other drivers know of one's presence.[10] It may also be an indication of yielding the right-of-way to another driver.[11] Headlight flashing is also commonly used in attempts to warn oncoming drivers of police speed traps in the area. In situations where a driver is warned of police activity in the area, it is sometimes considered courteous to flash one's lights in response.[12] Headlight flashing may also indicate protest or celebration of an event or position.[13][14]

Among drivers of certain expensive sports cars, headlight flashes are sometimes used as a greeting to other drivers of the same makes of cars. These included Porsches[15] and others, although the practice appears to be in decline.[16]

Motorcycle headlamp modulators automatically blink the high beams on and off while the low beam is steadily illuminated, in an effort to increase the conspicuity of motorcyclists to other drivers.[17]

The use of headlight flashing has been questioned as an effective communication tool between drivers; the ability of drivers to communicate with one another is estimated to be the same as the communication abilities among insects.[18] Researchers say the flashing can have contradictory meaning; it may mean, for example, the driver intends to yield the right of way, or that he intends to take it.[18]

Urban legend

Beginning in the early 1980s, a widespread rumor regarding flashing headlights was spread mainly through fax, and later on the internet. The rumor states that various gangs across the United States carry out an initiation wherein the initiate drives around at night with his headlights off. Whichever driver flashes his headlamps in response to the unlit car becomes the target; to complete the initiation, the prospective gang member must hunt down and shoot, kill, assault, or rape the target.[19] The story was widely spread by many government organizations, including the New Mexico State Police.[3] This rumor has been proven an urban legend.[20]

The story originated in Montana in the early 1980s, where it was rumored that the Hells Angels bike gang was initiating recruits in this way. By 1984, the story had spread to Eugene, Oregon, where it had morphed into a story of latino and black gangs targeting whites.[19] In August 1993, the story once again appeared, this time spread through fax and email forwarding. Warning of a "blood initiation weekend" on September 25 and 26, the rumor this time compelled some police departments to issue actual warnings after having received the fake ones.[19] In February 1994, Ann Sibila of Massillon, Ohio reinstated the rumor by issuing flyers which claimed that killings would take place at Westfield Belden Village. After a night of sending faxes to local businesses, Sibila was arrested for inducing panic.[19]

The rumor once again spread in October 1998, when a new fax, this time claiming to originate with a Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer in Texas. The rumor spread further when officials in the San Diego government circulated the fax among city agencies; this version of the fax, though quickly dismissed within city government when it was found that the Sheriff's office had no real connection to it, now appeared to be a legitimate government-issued document.[19] Also in the fall of 1998, the Sheriff's office of Nassau County, Florida sent a warning about such gang initiation to the county fire department, who subsequently spread the fax to all county agencies. Police dispatcher Ann Johnson had thought the message urgent enough to send, but had not bothered to check its legitimacy.[19]

The rumor provided inspiration for the 1998 film Urban Legend.[19]

Legality

United States

In the United States, the legality of headlight flashing varies from state to state. In Maryland, police officers ticket drivers for flashing car headlights under a law which prohibits driving in a vehicle with flashing lights and laws prohibiting "obstructing a police investigation".[12] The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland challenges the current interpretation of the law, contending the law refers to an adjective and not a verb; automatic flashing lights on non-emergency vehicles are illegal, but the act by a driver of flashing a vehicle's headlamps is not.[12] Though ticketing was common in the 1990s, Maryland and Washington, D.C. police say that flashing one's headlights was not against the law in either place.[21]

In Virginia, headlight flashing to warn of police activity is not illegal, even though other evasion techniques like radar detectors are outlawed.[22]

In California, headlight flashing is legal in some situations and illegal in others. It is legal for a driver to flash his headlights to indicate intention to pass on a road which does not allow passing on the right. However, headlight flashing on multiple-lane highways is illegal.[7]

In Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has ruled that flashing one's highbeams during the day to warn of speed traps is legal.[23]

Washington law prohibits flashing one's high beams within 400 feet of another vehicle, including using them to signal for any reason.[24] Under section 46.37.230 of the Revised Code of Washington, flashing one's headlights illegally may result in a $124 traffic infraction.[25]

Florida state statutes state "flashing lights are prohibited on vehicles except as a means of indicating a right or left turn, to change lanes, or to indicate that the vehicle is lawfully stopped or disabled upon the highway".[26] There are some exceptions to the law, such as when a driver flashes his headlights to tell another driver that his headlights are off, but there is no exception for warning of speed traps.[26] A ticket for headlight flashing involves a moving violation and a $90 fine.[26]

Jamaica

On some occasions, motorists who flashed their headlights to warn of police activity have unwittingly helped fugitives evade police. In 2008, one of Jamaica's most wanted men went around police checkpoints which had been set up on his most likely routes after a driver had flashed his headlights to warn of police ahead.[27] Drivers were warned that flashing headlights may result in "unwittingly facilitating criminal activity".[27]

Australia

Headlight flashing to warn drivers of traffic enforcement cameras is illegal in Australia, carrying a $30 fine and one demerit point, or a $1500 fine if the fine is unsuccessfully challenged in court.[28] Officers may either fine a driver for improper use of headlights, or may even arrest and prosecute for hindering police.[28]

Canada

In Ontario, the Highway Traffic Act prohibits "flashing head beams".[29] Some have brought tickets to court, claiming the law only regulates the use of alternating lights in an attempt to impersonate emergency and law enforcement vehicles, and not a driver's manually flashing his car's headlamps to communicate with other drivers.[29]

United Kingdom

Though not all of its rules represent law, the Highway Code states "Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights in an attempt to intimidate other road users".[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Farlam, John (2008). "Know the code?". SmartDriving. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
  2. ^ a b Kwa, Tion (13 October 2007). "Where blinking lights rule but signal lights are optional". The Straits Times. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  3. ^ a b Associated Press (8 November 1998). "Flashing headlights at unlit cars could get gunfire for an answer". The Daily Courier. pp. 10C. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  4. ^ "State motorists are warned to watch out for deer". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Journal Communications. 13 October 1996. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  5. ^ "Proper Passing Technique". The Washington Post. 20 April 1996. pp. A.12. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  6. ^ Hawrylyshyn, George (25 May 1971). "Truck drivers in Brazil create language for the road". The Free Lance–Star. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  7. ^ a b c Richards, Gary (7 February 2006). "Flashing lights at another car often illegal, highly discouraged". San Jose Mercury News. AccessMyLibrary. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  8. ^ Anzia, Ronald (15 April 1966). "It Pays to Be a 'Professional' Driver". Milwaukee Sentinel. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  9. ^ "The End Of the Back Roads". The Washington Post. 26 January 1989. pp. m.02. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  10. ^ "Flash properly!". Sligo Weekender. Thomas Crosbie Holdings. 5 April 2005. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
  11. ^ John, Honest (23 March 2004). "Honest John's agony column". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  12. ^ a b c Rojas, Rick (17 June 2009). "Drivers Warning About Police At Issue in Montgomery Case". The Washington Post. Retrieved 23 July 2009.
  13. ^ "Venezuelan Police Seize Businessman Who Led 2-Month Strike". The New York Times. 21 February 2003. pp. A7. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  14. ^ Matuszewski, Erik (28 October 2004). "Red Sox Erase Curse With First World Series Title Since 1918". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  15. ^ E.g., Save The Flash
  16. ^ Save The Flash
  17. ^ Turner, Ramona (22 June 2009). "Street Smarts: What's with the flashing headlights motorcyclists are sporting nowadays?". San Jose Mercury News. MediaNews Group. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  18. ^ a b "Insects in the driving seat". New Scientist (1826). United Kingdom: Reed Business Information. 20 June 1992.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g Mikkelson, Barbara (8 December 2008). "Lights Out!". Snopes. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  20. ^ Ballard, Pepper (12 May 2006). "E-mail warning of danger from gang initiations said to be hoax". The Herald-Mail. Schurz Communications. Retrieved 24 July 2009.
  21. ^ Shaffer, Ron (23 March 1995). "When Flashing Is Legal". The Washington Post. HighBeam Research. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  22. ^ Blankenship, Ben (21 July 2009). "OK to warn of speed traps ahead?". Stafford County Sun. Media General. Retrieved 26 July 2009.
  23. ^ "High-Beam Conviction Overturned \ Pa. Supreme Court: Man Broke No Law By Flashing Headlights To Warn Cars of Speed Trap". The Philadelphia Inquirer. 23 April 1999. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  24. ^ Roe, Amy (18 May 2007). "Shedding light on flashing brights". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  25. ^ Castro, Hector (28 October 2008). "Dim it! Is flashing high beams at cars illegal?". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
  26. ^ a b c Cridlin, Jay (16 May 2003). "Florida law is against the headlight flasher". St. Petersburg Times. Times Publishing Company. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  27. ^ a b "Flashing headlights helping criminals, say police". The Jamaica Observer. 8 February 2008. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  28. ^ a b Dibben, Kay (26 October 2008). "Drivers illegally flash lights to warn of speed cameras". The Sunday Mail. News Corporation. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  29. ^ a b Ward, Bruce (13 February 2008). "To flash your lights". Ottawa Citizen. Canwest. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Headlight_flashing&oldid=306946048"