Way back in olden days the truckers had a code: one flash of the lights to warn for radar, two flashes if you were about to come up on an accident. Now it's common just to flash the lights however many times to signal a radar/laser trap. What gripes me about law enforcement in my area is that it's not really about traffic safety, its about REVENUE. In this part of Kansas you are allowed to "amend" a moving violation down to a non-moving violation once every 12 months if you pay an extra $200.

 

I definitely know what it means, but there are so many highway patrol officers as regular fixtures on my normal commute that I never see anyone flashing or really flash anyone back. Cops are everywhere in the metropolitan areas as of late, so it's easier to just assume one is up around the corner at this point.

 

My dad taught me this back in the 60s/70s. So it;s been around

I think the issue is that there are many new drivers, maybe not taught by long time US drivers, who've never seen this. Live in a city, never drive long haul, you may never have been exposed.

One time he was flashing to warn of a speed trap on a section of I-80 in Jersey when another trooper pulled him over. Made him do a 360 inspection to ensure the lights were properly working- including the officer smacking on the two front fenders to see if the lights altered- and wrote him for "improper use of headlights'....

I used to do it, but askwipes these days are clueless.

Whoops, this is only a friendly place...forgot..

A

 

I always flash drivers to warn of hidden cops as I would appreciate the warning myself... I have been pulled over for it too....

 

Used to see the headlight flash routinely back east, but not here in CA. Then again, people seemed to look out more for each other.
In the past 6 months I think I've seen another P-driver wave but once. Driving my old Vette or 240Z would get plenty of waves from other people, but again that was another time and place. Oh well, I can still go to Cars and Coffee or Supercar Sunday and be around other car nuts who do share the passion like the guys here on this forum.

 

I've always been taught that two flashes was for cops! I always try to flash or wave at other Porsche owners, but I very rarely get a reply. And I'm a younger guy too, so I don't think it's a generational thing. Maybe newer owners are less of enthusiasts and more just, owners.

 

How about this- A big rig passes you, needs to pull in...you turn off the headlights for 1/2 second then back on...once he has cleared you, it tells them they can come back over.

Then, they will give you a 'thanks': lights all the way off, then running, lights, then off, then all lights on. A second...just a quick salute/wave.

Rare in a p car, but hauling 3 horses or other loads I've had it...

(And no, I dont have a CB... )

 

I usually flash my lights at others, unless they are speeding on my street. Then I do not.

 

Common thing to do here in Poland. And yes, you can also have trouble if they catch you doing that!

 

I was out of town last week. On my way back I got to a spot on the highway where pretty well every car was flashing their lights. I was absolutely amazed at the participation. Sure enough I came around a corner and there they were - three police cars with all the laser stuff they could possibly want. I can't believe they caught anybody - I had a good 5 minute warning.

 

i always do it - f the police.

 

i stick my hand out and give the signal to slow down.

sport bikers tap their helmet.

this has saved me a few times. cops should be out there to discourage speeding instead of writing tickets.

 

I always do it too... and it is reciprocated often around here.

 

I've had others give me the head light flash a few times and saved my *** a couple of times. I always reciprocate when I can. I always give the lights flash as well to oncoming traffic if I pass a cop. I also do the hand out the window downward motion to let people know to slow down if there is a cop in traffic ahead of me that others behind me coming up fast may not notice.

 

Sorry, disagree, if writing tickets doesn't slow us down, then reprimands certainly won't.

I'm ok with paying the penalty for speeding, but in GA the cops will inflate your speed so they can give you a super speeder ticket and make you pay $500 to keep it off your record with no regard for the safety of people on the road. That's just gouging and greedy.