Flashing drivers about speed cameras could land you in trouble

A common road courtesy act that turns out is very much illegal in many states and could see you land in trouble.

Flashing your high beam lights at someone to warn them of a speed camera is common driving etiquette, but it could land you with a $300 fine.

When applying for your learner’s license, you have to show a sound understanding of your state’s road rules to pass. These rules can vary from state to state.

But it isn’t until you get behind the wheel that you get a crash course in road etiquette.

Despite being seen as polite, flashing your high beams at someone to warn someone of a traffic hazard, speed camera or a hidden police car ahead is illegal.

One Redditor poses the question as to whether it was illegal to do so in the Perth sub-reddit.

“Is it ok to flash drivers about speed cameras?” they asked.

“Maybe it’s just me but I’ve noticed the last week [has] been an awakening of speed cameras … you know, the ones hidden around the corners and in bushes. Is it okay to flash high beams on quickly or would cops not like it?”

Despite being seen as polite, flashing your lights at another car to warn them about speed cameras is illegal. Picture: Istock

More than 400 people responded, with many agreeing that it’s a common courtesy thing and others stating that it would be un-Australian to not do it.

“It is an insult if you don’t flash drivers,” one person wrote.

“Would be unf***ing [Aussie] not to,” another agreed.

Another said: “Exactly. Is it legal? Probably not. But you bloody well do it anyway.”

Others shared the sentiment that it’s the morally right thing to do, especially when it comes to speed cameras.

However, the act of flashing your high beams at someone is very much illegal in many states across Australia.

A spokesperson for NSW Police told news.com.au that it is an offence to use your high beams to warn drivers of speed cameras.

“It is an offence to use your high beams to warn drivers of speed cameras and to use your high beams unnecessarily in general,” they said.

“There are different offences, which incur fines, and are applied based on what offence is most suitable. The fine is $129.”

When asked the same question, a spokesperson for WA Police told news.com.au a similar response but added a 200 metre rule.

“It is illegal in WA to fail to dip your high beam headlights, and keep them dipped, within 200 metres of another vehicle,” they said.

Tasmania and the NT follow this as well as the act can result in a fine and one demerit point.

Victoria follows a similar rule, with people caught doing so landing a maximum five court penalty up to $925.

For those in Queensland, it is illegal but you only cop a small $63 fine and one demerit point. However, you are allowed to flash your headlights to warn others of road hazards.

According to the South Australia Driver’s Handbook: “It is an offence to use your lights in such a way that you dazzle other road users” and this could see you getting a fine of $382.