Hazard Lights and How To Use ‘Em

It’s always hard to know when to use your hazard lights and when not to use them. Each of the 50 states has different rules and regulations regarding when hazard lights can be used when driving. Maryland, for example, does not permit the use of hazard lights when driving except in emergency situations. Virginia has very specific rules: hazard light use is not permitted while driving except for emergency vehicles, stopped or slowed vehicles to indicate a traffic hazard, when traveling as part of a funeral procession, or traveling slower than 30 mph. Phew! That’s a lot to remember. Here are some tips on when you should be using your hazard lights.

If you’re driving through rough weather, you might think it’s a good idea to turn your hazards on for the sake of visibility. However, this is against the law in several states, and on top of that it eliminates your ability to use your turn signals normally. In some states it’s not against the law, but most recommendations are that if visibility in a storm is so poor that you feel like you need to turn on your hazards, you should pull over to the side of the road and wait it out.

You might want to use your hazards if you are driving much slower than the normal rate of traffic, because you are looking for something or your car is experiencing problems that are causing it to go slowly. Again, the recommendation is that you pull over safely and legally while you either figure out where you are going or call for assistance. When you have your hazards on, other drivers can become confused about which direction you want to go and this can prove to be an even bigger hazard than your speed!

If you are already pulled over, you can absolutely put on your hazards to indicate that you are, as it says on the tin, a hazard. This will also let other cars know that you’re there, especially in the darkness if you don’t have a reflective triangle in your emergency kit.

Always be judicious about using your hazard lights – even if you think you should use them, you probably shouldn’t before checking your state’s regulations. AAA has put together a helpful list of hazard light use laws, organized by state – this can be found here. And, as always, if you are using your hazards due to mechanical problems with your vehicle, you can always call Younger Nissan for help and a place to get your vehicle repaired with the utmost attention to detail and your satisfaction.