When Should You Actually Use Your Hazard Lights? You May Be Using Them Wrong

Drivers are notorious for forgetting common traffic rules, and that can be especially true during extreme weather. A perfect example is knowing when to use hazard lights while driving.

Hazard lights are one of the simplest controls in a car, but drivers don’t always agree on when they should be used. Seeing hazard lights while driving is especially common during heavy rain, fog, sudden traffic backups, and other situations where drivers want to make their vehicles more noticeable. But should they be used during extreme weather?

Learn when hazard lights make sense, when drivers should leave them off, and what to do when bad weather makes it difficult to see.

Hazard Light Laws Vary by State

There isn’t one nationwide rule for using hazard lights while a vehicle is moving. Some states allow them in certain situations, while others limit or prohibit their use.

AAA notes that hazard-light laws vary by state, so drivers shouldn’t assume the same rules apply everywhere. Anyone unsure about using flashers while driving should check the current driver handbook or motor vehicle agency guidance for the state where they’re traveling.

When Drivers Should Use Hazard Lights

Hazard lights, also called emergency flashers or four-way flashers, make a vehicle’s turn signals flash at the same time. Their main purpose is to warn others about a stopped or disabled vehicle.

After a breakdown, flat tire, or similar problem, the driver should move as far from traffic as safely possible and turn on the flashers. The same applies after a crash if the vehicle has to remain near traffic. If it can move safely, getting out of an active travel lane should come first.

Extremely poor visibility is one situation where hazard lights may also help while a driver gets off the road.

“In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business and stop,” according to the National Weather Service’s resources for driving in fog.

When Drivers Shouldn’t Use Hazard Lights While Driving

Hazard lights shouldn’t serve as a substitute for headlights during bad weather. AAA specifically advises against switching them on simply because heavy rain makes it harder to see.

“Do not drive with your hazard lights on,” according to AAA. “Hazard lights are meant to signify that your vehicle is disabled. Using them while driving could confuse other motorists.”

The flashing lights can also make a moving vehicle harder for other drivers to read. During heavy rain, drivers should instead turn on their headlights, slow down, and leave more space between vehicles.

“Hazard lights can actually reduce visibility making other drivers think you are stopped or stalled,” according to AccuWeather. “They make it difficult to see if motorists ahead are tapping on the brakes and they don’t allow you to use your turn signals.”

What Drivers Should Do Before Heading Out in Bad Weather

Avoiding dangerous road conditions can be safer than trying to manage them after a trip has already started.

“Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s winter driving tips. “If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared in case you become delayed while traveling.”

Sources

• AAA, “AAA’s Advice for Driving in Wet Weather”
• AAA, “What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down”
• AAA, “How to Effectively Communicate on the Road”
• National Weather Service, “Driving in Fog”
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Winter Weather Driving Tips”
• AccuWeather, “Why it isn’t safe to flash hazard lights while driving in the rain”

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