Headlight Flash: Strictly speaking, it is only allowed in two situations

Created: 08/11/2022, 13:15

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

The headlight flasher is used in many situations in everyday driving - but according to the law, it can only be used in two situations.

There are behaviors that simply become commonplace over time.

But when it comes to traffic regulations, many a driver is wrong: for example, many are convinced that the minimum speed on the motorway is 60 km/h, or that right before left applies automatically in supermarket parking lots.

Both are wrong.

The situation is similar with the headlight flasher: In everyday life, it is used in many situations.

Strictly speaking, fading is only allowed in two cases.

The headlight flasher is used in many cases - but its use is only permitted in two cases.

(Iconic image) © photothek/Imago

Headlight flasher: Strictly speaking only allowed in two situations

Most drivers are familiar with it: to give priority to another car, you use the headlight flasher.

And warnings about speed traps are occasionally displayed.

However, according to Section 16 of the Road Traffic Act (StVO), this is only permitted in the following two cases:

• When you see yourself or others at risk

• When overtaking outside built-up areas

Flashing headlights may be used to announce an overtaking manoeuvre

Flashing the headlights to announce that you are overtaking is rather unusual, at least on German roads.

However, it is also permitted according to § 5 paragraph 5 of the Road Traffic Regulations.

There it says: "Outside built-up areas, overtaking may be announced by short acoustic or illuminated signals".

Theoretically, you should also honk - but in reality this should confuse some drivers, because it is rarely done exactly like flashing.

According to the law, you have to make sure that oncoming drivers are not blinded when using the headlight flasher with high beam.

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Headlight flasher: Be careful when using it on the freeway

According to the ADAC, you can flash your headlights on the Autobahn if the driver of a vehicle driving in the left lane does not recognize that you intend to overtake, even though you are indicating to the left.

But be careful: If you overdo it with the fade-in and also push massively over a longer period of time, you may be guilty of coercion.

Therefore, always keep the correct safety distance (half the speedometer reading) and only flash your lights briefly.