Is it appropriate to flash your headlights at slow drivers in the left hand lane?

Question

I have always wanted to do this but thought it was completely inappropriate. I moved further south recently and have seen people do it a few times, unless they were flashing their lights at slower cars for reasons unbeknownst to me.

I'm talking about people going 68 in a 70MPH zone in the left lane, no room to pass on the right, not showing any indication of moving, maybe even talking on their cell phone or chatting animatedly with their passenger, you know this person is not paying attention.

Can I flash 'em?

Answer 1

Never ever flash your high beams at a driver in the fast lane. Indeed, not only does it blind oncoming drivers but that slow-driving driver in front. One suggestion(disregard what THEY are doing in the car), and if been following for a time and they ignore you--then safely and within the speed limit--pass on the right. If, as you indicate, the right lane has no room--then alas, either follow at a safe distance in the left lane--or look for a break in the right lane. In fact, depending on the state, it may be illegal to flash you head lights except in an emergency. You will get to your distination more safely nonetheless at 68 rather than 70. Moreover, flashing your lights may provoke unstable or unhappy drivers--and you may run into a road rage situation. Good luck but drive safe!

Answer 2

Slower traffic should stay right. Keep right except when passing. Sure, it's illegal in many states to flash your lights, but it wouldn't be necessary if the cops EVER ticketed people for obstructing the left lane. They'd rather have frustrated people weave through traffic. "Yeah, that's a lot safer, officer. We want roads full of rude road hogs in the left lane and frustrated drivers all over the place, getting more-aggressive with each rolling roadblock. It's that way because you like mopping up accidents, right?"

Put down the doughnut and get the people out of the left lane, unless they're passing, and the problem will go away!

Answer 3

In N.J. it's improper use of high beams and you can be ticketed for it!
What I don't understand is people telling this person, sure it's O.K. I would venture to guess that it's improper use of high beams in most states, which is a summons-able offense. Perhaps the vehicle in the left lane is an unmarked police vehicle. Maybe you should get right up on the vehicles bumper also so you can really show him how upset that he's in your way. Imagine the crap eating grin you'll have on your face when the cop lets you by, then pulls you over. I just don't get it? The bottom line is most people believe that the passing lane (left lane) is the O.K. to speed lane. It has nothing to do with someone traveling at the speed limit in the left lane, it has to do with them thinking that they own the road and have a right to that lane to do as they please. Anybody with any common sense knows that.

Answer 4

I've heard first approach em with your left turn signal on for awhile... and if that doesn't work, yeah, flash em quick.

If they don't do what you want, deal. They have a right to be there too. Courtesy isn't law, it can't be enforced.

(yes, drive right pass left is the law, but that only applies in rural interstates where there are few enough cars to all fit in the right lane with room to spare. In urban areas the rule goes out the window. If you can't get around a person on the right, then it's too dense to expect lane discipline.)

DON'T tailgate em. That is viewed as unbelievably rude by many people., it'll get people really hacked off at you. I'll bet a lot of people who got nasty reactions to flashing actually got nasty reactions to tailgating.

If they get aggro, don't dance with em, slow down and duck behind a truck and make harassing you as tedious and boring as you can possibly make it.

Answer 5

the only answer is that if the police pay attention to this subject it occurs thank you to person-friendly. If each police motor vehicle for the duration of non top hours (heavy site visitors) pulled over each driving force driving interior the rightlane and not utilising the left lane whilst that's cleared and advised off they could get irritated adequate and study to maintain left except overtaking. there's a useful in each state in my united states of america doing this yet no police enforce. A regulation that's no longer enforce might as properly no longer be there.

Answer 6

It can be taken as an act of aggression and in some states illegal. I know if somebody is not doing the speed limit out there it is annoying but its not your job to teach them a lesson and be rude. You might flash the guy who is on his last nerve.
So it is best not to get all worked up about it do your best and have a good day it is not worth ruining your day or life or anyone elses, you do not save that much time anyway.

Answer 7

Hmmm...well can you or should you? I think you can, but personally I have been a bit afraid about doing anything anymore because of angry drivers that do crazy things.

I am also annoyed about people who drive in the left lane instead of moving back into the right lane when they are done passing. It is discourteous and holds up traffic.

Answer 8

68 in a 70 zone?? people go 70 in far left lane on the highway where u li ve? what state is this?? i live in california , if you were going 70 in the far left lane id flash my highbeams and then cut u off , 70 in the fast lane? wtfff more like 80 is appropiate

Answer 9

I don't know if it's appropriate but my husband flashes people if they are going to slow in the left lane and he can't pass them.
One time someone got mad and tried screwing with us and wouldn't let us pass and kept cutting in front of us and almost caused an accident.
So be careful someone might take it the wrong way.

Answer 10

You could flash me. If you could catch up to me.

If you're in the left lane and behind someone who is not passing anyone, by all means, flash them.