Crime & Safety

Ask a Cop: Is it Legal to Flash Lights at Another Driver?

Blinded by another car's headlights? What can you do?

Patch Reader Asks: Is it illegal to flash your bright lights at oncoming traffic as a courtesy that the oncoming car is blinding you? And if yes, is it illegal for a Police Officer to flash their brights at you for the same reason? It is my understanding that in a non-emergency situation, Police must follow the same traffic laws. Is this correct?

Answer from CHP Officer Brad Sadek:

It is legal for you to momentarily flash your high beams (brights) to notify an oncoming driver that their high beams are on. It is, however illegal for you to drive with you high beams continually operating because it has a high potential to blind oncoming traffic.

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You must turn off your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming (head-on) vehicle and within 350 feet when approaching a vehicle from behind.

Send your questions for local law enforcement to Brad.Kava@patch.com

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