Hazards and Side-Light

Hazard lights do not exempt you from road traffic law.

That means that the following road activities are still illegal, even with hazard lights on:

·         Stopping to chat to your mate

·         Double-parking

·         Parking on double yellow lines

·         Parking across pedestrian crossings

Also when parked up and delivering, putting your hazards on is pointless. The reason is simple, when approaching a parked vehicle with hazard on, all that can be seen is the off-side indicator flashing. Therefore the assumption is that the vehicle is about to pull out which isn’t the case.

I will grant you that bone-fide delivery vans sometimes have no alternative but to bang on the hazards when plying their trade and having no choice but to park in a hazardous place, but your general punter has no need.

The only time when hazards need to be put on is when your motor has broken down and it’s in a dangerous spot.

While I’m on the subject of driving: the official term for “side-lights” is “parking lights”. Yep, they are there for parking in a dark road, so other drivers can see your car. They are not, and I repeat, not to be used while driving. They are not an alternative to headlights to be switched on when the light is getting a little dim outside. The rule generally, if it’s dark enough to turn on light, its dark enough for your headlights...