Speed Trap Warning – Is It Illegal To Flash Your Headlights In Georgia And South Carolina?
Have you ever been driving and met a car that flashed its headlights at you? It’s an action that is commonly thought to be a sign that there’s an accident, hazard, or a speed trap warning. If it’s happened to you, chances are you instantly back off your speed and prepare for what’s ahead. But because this is often a speed trap warning to other drivers, many people question if it’s legal to do this.
And that’s a good question, because are you impeding the officers from doing their job? Let’s take a look at what the law says for Georgia and South Carolina.
Headlight Laws In Georgia
In simple terms, it’s not illegal to flash your headlights to warn drivers of upcoming hazards or speed traps in Georgia. According to The Telegraph, not only can this save someone the frustration of a ticket and fine, but it’s also an action that many courts view as something that falls under freedom of speech. There’s no law that can stop drivers from offering this gesture to warn others.
There are laws that apply to your headlights though. It is unlawful to not dim your headlights when approaching a vehicle or when following another vehicle. And according to AAA, your bright lights should only be used in areas with limited visibility. You also shouldn’t use high beams in rain, snow, smoke, or dense fog, as the light tends to do more harm than good when it comes to visibility.
Headlight Laws In South Carolina
South Carolina laws are in line with Georgia’s laws. There’s nothing that states it is illegal to warn drivers of upcoming hazards or speed traps. But there have been instances where drivers have been pulled over for misuse of their headlights. There are some laws that could be violated. According to The State, these laws include:
- Interfering with an official investigation.
- Having flashing lights on your vehicle that are deemed distracting.
- Shining high beams at other vehicles, which comes with a $200 fine in South Carolina.
Other Reasons For Flashing Headlights
While someone flashing their headlights at you is often interpreted as a warning of a hazard ahead, it does have other implications. Some people may flash their lights to alert you to turn your own lights on. And it could also indicate that you have left your bright lights on. Usually, someone flashing their lights at you serves some purpose. It’s just up to you to determine what that warning is.
Flashing Headlights – A Speed Trap Warning
I will admit, that I have flashed my headlights at other drivers to warn them of a potential speed trap. And when I have done this, I often stress that another officer will see me and I’ll get in trouble. But I guess I can rest easy knowing that it’s not illegal! That doesn’t mean that the officers like it though. They’re out there trying to do their jobs, only to have someone slowing it down… literally!
There is one thing I do worry about. What if the cops are looking for someone specific? Let’s just say you roll up on a license check, and after driving off, you alert oncoming traffic. If someone that’s wanted by the cops sees it, it’ll give them a chance to get away. Now, I know that’s probably a very rare situation. But it is something I think about.
Overall, we now know that it’s technically not illegal to flash your headlight as a speed trap warning or to alert for other upcoming hazards. And honestly, I could’ve used a little warning while on my solo beach trip the other day! I don’t know where the officer was, but the next thing I knew, he was behind me with the lights on.
I was on my way to Beaufort, and I wasn’t intentionally speeding. As I was going through all those small towns on the way to Beaufort, it was hard to keep up with all the speed limit changes. I did mention that to the officer, who thankfully let me off with a warning. Needless to say, I was hyperaware of my speed for the rest of my trip!
