When you see someone flash their headlights, what does that mean?

[Raccoon1010]

When I was younger in high school, we used to flash our lights when we saw a car and also saw the police. That way they could slow down and not get a ticket :)

But I found this interesting article that explains: Here’s What It Actually Means When Someone Flashes Their Headlights at You

"Flashing headlights can actually mean a few different things, depending on the context. Fortunately it only takes a second to check the two things the other driver might be trying to alert you to: your own headlights, and potential dangers ahead of you in the road."

Anybody have any other reasons they know about?

 

[Nancy]

Around me, it can mean either you forgot to put your lights on or, there is a cop ahead...

 

[Raccoon1010]

Around me, it can mean either you forgot to put your lights on or, there is a cop ahead...

Yes or someone left their brights on.

 

[Raccoon1010]

I always use caution when I see the flashing lights. But these people don't even pay attention to lights flashing on warning signs, lol:

 

[Nancy]

Yes or someone left their brights on.

That's when we turn on our brights and off again, lol. Lights turned off and on again for "hey, you're lights are off, or police ahead slow down. Bright's on and then off, Hey, turn off your brights. they are blinding me.

 

[Bob Estey]

When I was younger in high school, we used to flash our lights when we saw a car and also saw the police. That way they could slow down and not get a ticket :)

But I found this interesting article that explains: Here’s What It Actually Means When Someone Flashes Their Headlights at You

"Flashing headlights can actually mean a few different things, depending on the context. Fortunately it only takes a second to check the two things the other driver might be trying to alert you to: your own headlights, and potential dangers ahead of you in the road."

Anybody have any other reasons they know about?

The only reason I've ever flashed my headlights is to let someone know they are driving in the dark without their headlights.

 

[Adam]

I've only ever flashed the lights at someone when I noticed they were doing something dangerous like lights being out

 

[Deborah_]

In the UK, flashing headlights usually means, "I'm giving way to you - you can pull out" (Or "come on through ", depending on the context.) In continental Europe, on the other hand, it means "Get out of my way!"

 

[Raccoon1010]

In the UK, flashing headlights usually means, "I'm giving way to you - you can pull out" (Or "come on through ", depending on the context.) In continental Europe, on the other hand, it means "Get out of my way!"

Wow that's quite a bit different.

 

[Episkopos]

When I was younger in high school, we used to flash our lights when we saw a car and also saw the police. That way they could slow down and not get a ticket :)

But I found this interesting article that explains: Here’s What It Actually Means When Someone Flashes Their Headlights at You

"Flashing headlights can actually mean a few different things, depending on the context. Fortunately it only takes a second to check the two things the other driver might be trying to alert you to: your own headlights, and potential dangers ahead of you in the road."

Anybody have any other reasons they know about?

Take you hockey net off the road. :)

 

[Lambano]

When my wife and I visited a city with a notorious gang problem, we were told if someone flashes their headlights at you, do not respond. Also, if you see a car driving at night with no lights on, do not flash your headlights at them. The local gangbangers had a game going where if anyone flashes their lights at them, they consider it a challenge to their authority from a rival gang and they might take a shot at your car as you pass.

 

[Raccoon1010]

When my wife and I visited a city with a notorious gang problem, we were told if someone flashes their headlights at you, do not respond. Also, if you see a car driving at night with no lights on, do not flash your headlights at them. The local gangbangers had a game going where if anyone flashes their lights at them, they consider it a challenge to their authority from a rival gang and they might take a shot at your car as you pass.

I think I remember hearing something like that down in California. This says it's just an urban legend though: Fact check: Flashing your headlights is not a trigger for a deadly gang initiation rite

 

[Lambano]

I think I remember hearing something like that down in California. This says it's just an urban legend though: Fact check: Flashing your headlights is not a trigger for a deadly gang initiation rite

Whew!