We all know not to use our phones at the wheel, drive through a red light or beep our horns out of frustration, but there are a number of other lesser-known rules of the road that motorists can sometimes overlook.
One driving instructor on TikTok, who goes by @lingusdrivingschool, has been sharing his knowledge in a bid to help others stay as safe as possible while out on the road and before taking their tests.
Now, the instructor has posted about a rule that motorists can sometimes forget while behind the wheel.
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You can watch the video below:
In the clip, the instructor explains that there are a number of driving rules that 'everyone knows but ignores'.
"Never use your headlights to convey a message," he explains. The instructor explains that doing this in a driving test will result in an immediate fail.
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He also adds that there are three hand gestures that you are legally allowed to use, but these all depend on your lights not working.
You may have noticed other drivers breaching the headlights rule, sometimes to signal messages to other road users, say thank you for giving way, or out of aggression.
Doing this is in breach of the Highway Code, which explains: "Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.
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“Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.”
In the comments section of the video, the driving instructor explained that a 'half hand wave' to say thanks is allowed, as long as your hand doesn't ever leave the wheel.
There are instances where breaching the headlights rule could land you with a fine.
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Sometimes, road users flash their lights to alert other road users to speed cameras that they may be unwittingly approaching.
According to Section 89 of the Police Act 1997, motorists may be fined for obstructing the police from their duty.
It reads: "Any person who resists or wilfully obstructs a constable in the execution of his duty, or a person assisting a constable in the execution of his duty, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month or to a fine not exceeding level three on the standard scale, or to both."
Featured Image Credit: TikTok/@lingusdrivingschool/South West Images Scotland/Alamy Stock Photo