Is it OK in Ohio to flash your lights to warn drivers of police, speed traps? What the law says

Flashing lights from another driver is something we’ve all probably seen a time or two on the road, but what does it mean?

Well, it can mean many things.

“Flashing one’s headlights at oncoming drivers could mean many things including: alerting an oncoming driver that their high beams are on; alerting a driver after dusk that their lights are off; warning oncoming drivers of dangerous road conditions ahead; warning oncoming drivers that there is an animal on the road; warning a driver of a potentially dangerous condition with their vehicle,” said a representative with the Guillermo Lara Jr. Law Firm.

Typically, flashing lights mean to use caution, slow down and expect something up ahead. So, is it legal to flash your lights to another driver after you see an officer or speed trap? Let’s see:

Is it legal to flash lights in Ohio to warn of speed traps?

There is no specific law about flashing your lights to warn other drivers on the road in Ohio.

In fact, the action is actually considered an act of free speech under the First Amendment because it cannot be proved as obstruction of justice or hindering an officer from doing normal duties.

“It could be argued that the practice itself helps law enforcement because it encourages drivers to slow down and be aware of their surroundings,” according to the Guillermo Lara Jr. Law Firm website.

However, there are some headlight laws to note in Ohio:

Ohio law says that when drivers are approaching another vehicle, the driver should “use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver.”

The law also says that drivers must have high beams bright enough to reveal a person or vehicle at least 350 feet away, while low beams must reveal at least 100 feet ahead.

Do you have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.