Flashing: Yes or No?

Sioso · 30-09-2015, 12:39 PM

After going past a speed trap do you flash oncoming vehicles?
(I'm talking about headlights).

I had a few dozen vehicles come past yesterday prior to going past a speed camera set up on the side of the road (a side street out in the middle of nowhere - 60 zone) not a single car gave me a warning.

I was sitting on the speed limit anyway so no problem there, but it does appear to be happening less and less.

I figure if they are going to go to the trouble of hiding I'll go to the trouble of letting others know, especially when the spot they choose isn't dangerous but is suspiciously close to a change in speed limits.

Express · 30-09-2015, 12:44 PM

As I see much of the speed related cameras as nothing more than a revenue raiser targeting low range speeders, I have no problem with people giving fellow drivers a fighting chance.

baboon · 30-09-2015, 12:49 PM

I used to but because there are soo many of them - I got lazy!

XBv8mmm! · 30-09-2015, 12:53 PM

Simple answer, yes.

Revenue raiser cameras are just another way to raise a tax.
If they were set up in black spots that would be different, but they are not.
A straight road with clear vision is not a black spot. Nor is a camera just on the other side of a speed limit zone change.

Ford17 · 30-09-2015, 12:59 PM

I always appreciate a flash if I get one; and will flash my lights to oncoming traffic it doesn't look like a police car is amongst them.

Once though, it was dusk and I was turning right to go into Bunnings, having just driven past a mobile speed trap. Flashed the oncoming cars, one of which I realised was a police car when it drew closer.

Decided to change plans right then and there, and elected to visit another Bunnings store instead.

**Sorted** · 30-09-2015, 01:00 PM

Yes I do all the time

Quote:

POLICE say they are happy for drivers to flash their lights to warn other motorists about speed cameras.

Traffic Superintendent Dean McWhirter today said he was happy for motorists to flash their lights to warn other motorists they were approaching a speed camera.

"If that occurs I am comfortable with that because it means actually people are getting the message," Supt McWhirter said today

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law...-1226739895665

Ford17 · 30-09-2015, 01:07 PM

Was pretty sure it is illegal to flash your lights, but it must be up to individual officers' discretion.

Says it's illegal here & here.

STINKY NINJA · 30-09-2015, 01:10 PM

I flash,there was a couple of guys that were sitting a little way up the road and holding signs warning of the camera ahead here in perth,apparently its legal to do so because there was a story about it somewhere

good blokes!
I saw them on fremantle road gosnells and Tonkin hwy

Carrion · 30-09-2015, 01:31 PM

Its illegal in NSW. Chances are there is a chase car waiting around the corner that may see you.

Don't speed.

wicksy · 30-09-2015, 01:45 PM

i do when i remember, but i have also flashed an unmarked car one day that was funny, he just flashed the sirens and waved too me hah

**fordomatic** · 30-09-2015, 01:50 PM

Do it all the time, especially when travelling to the snow from Canberra. This year in the snow season there wasn't actually many set up. They targeted silly overtakes this year and nailed a lot of people. It was great to see as there are always head ons on the Monaro between Cooma and Jindy.

It's amazing how many people don't do it anymore

blackf6 · 30-09-2015, 02:10 PM

I call it over the cb, and flash cars.

bazza91 · 30-09-2015, 02:25 PM

Always flash the lights to let others know about a camera. The only exception is when i see someone who is really pushing the limits driving way over the limit or is tailgating heavily or dangerously overtaking. In my opinion they deserve to be booked so im not going to give them any warning. But the average motorist cruising along doesnt deserve to get pinged going 3kmh over so they will get a warning from me about a camera.

**Revolver** · 30-09-2015, 02:48 PM

There has been reported instances of another cop car up from a radar trap booking drivers for flashing. Deliberate entrapment.

These are rumors however, and up here in Qld.

But rumors are usually true.

Carrion · 30-09-2015, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revolver

There has been reported instances of another cop car up from a radar trap booking drivers for flashing. Deliberate entrapment.

These are rumors however, and up here in Qld.

But rumors are usually true.

That's the chase car

bc47 · 30-09-2015, 02:54 PM

not going to lie, the title of this thread got me.

but yeah I will flash all the time

new2ford · 30-09-2015, 03:00 PM

What the police will get you under (same law across Australia) is use of high beam within 200 metres of oncoming car. The way around that would be to turn your headlights on and off (low beam) quickly, no law against that.

But I bet they'd enforce that law selectively. For example, many out of courtesy would flash another vehicle to indicate that they can turn in front of you. The police could raise a lot of money out of that one and at the same time clamp down on social politeness. Can't have politeness in society can we.

Another aspect of life where common sense has gone out the window to be replaced by nannying.

Sabantien · 30-09-2015, 03:41 PM

I know a few people who have been fined for it, so don't do it. Why should I cop a fine so someone else breaking the law doesn't?

I do recall my brother flashing lights at an incoming car at night because they had their high beams on and didn't dip them. As soon as my brother flashed his, on came the lights and siren.

GT450 · 30-09-2015, 03:49 PM

Do it with caution , Yes.
GT450

MAD · 30-09-2015, 05:01 PM

I flash all the time, and if given the opportunity I will flash prior to passing the camera so they know what I'm doing.

When travelling the direction of the camera, I always give a toot to make sure they're not sleeping on the job

DBourne · 30-09-2015, 05:08 PM

Yup. but like most things, I think it goes unappreciated the majority of the time.

People are probably too busy taking a selfie, doing make up, reading the paper to see me flash, but it's cool, cos they're doing 50 in a 70 so they're a safe driver

XG_Falcon · 30-09-2015, 05:48 PM

I used to let other drivers know all the time until I started my job where we drive 4-6 hours a day. I started to see a trend appearing - often the people that need to be told there is a speed camera coming up are the ones that truly deserve a fine.

If you don't notice the obvious signs a speed camera is coming up, there is something wrong. Having said that, I always flash my lights if the speed camera is at the bottom of a hill or some other obvious trap though.

Matty4 · 30-09-2015, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAD

I flash all the time, and if given the opportunity I will flash prior to passing the camera so they know what I'm doing.

When travelling the direction of the camera, I always give a toot to make sure they're not sleeping on the job

Yep, me too.
Always give them a friendly toot.

XG_Falcon · 30-09-2015, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty4

Yep, me too.
Always give them a friendly toot.

I'm pretty sure you can be fined for using your warning device (horn) when there isn't a hazard?

TheInterceptor · 30-09-2015, 09:04 PM

If I'm driving, I always flash high beam (without lightbar) and call it on the UHF. When I spot em as I go past, I lean on the horn. They are contractors with a quota and can go and get. . .

towtaltowing · 30-09-2015, 10:12 PM

yep to most on coming cars
more so to fellow au drivers and tradies

GTP534 · 01-10-2015, 06:43 AM

I don't understand how they can park illegally to conduct their operations; probably have some sort of legislative dispensation. They consistently park in No Stopping & No Parking zones on the Northern Road, Penrith area.

Most people stick to the 70 limit but you do get the odd idiot who'll race up the left hand lane which ends soon after the lights at the M4 intersection and then keeps on it.

I've actually seen very little flashing from other motorists in this area.

EB# · 01-10-2015, 06:59 AM

Yes... always give a flash warning where I can.
The revenue system these days is all about catching 'lazy' drivers, not road safety.

xisled · 01-10-2015, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford17

Was pretty sure it is illegal to flash your lights, but it must be up to individual officers' discretion.

Says it's illegal here & here.

This is the funniest thing I have read this morning, the second article is.

NSW police media say that while there’s no specific law against flashing your lights to warn other motorists, doing so may still result in a fine and demerit points.

I wonder what they will fine you with, made up laws.

xisled · 01-10-2015, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTP534

I don't understand how they can park illegally to conduct their operations; probably have some sort of legislative dispensation. They consistently park in No Stopping & No Parking zones on the Northern Road, Penrith area.

Most people stick to the 70 limit but you do get the odd idiot who'll race up the left hand lane which ends soon after the lights at the M4 intersection and then keeps on it.

I've actually seen very little flashing from other motorists in this area.

The company needs to apply for a permit from the local council to be able to park in a certain spot. They are not able just pull up anywhere and park, that is why you will see the camera car in the same spot over and over.