French prefect says headlight flashing a security risk: When is it legal in France?

Drivers may often flash their headlights to say thank you for a kindness on the road, or to alert drivers that police or a speed camera are further down the route - but one police prefect has warned against it. 

The Prefect of Cantal, Philippe Loos, has advised drivers that flashing headlights can be a safety risk, and even detrimental to police investigations and attempts to make the road safer.

“Sometimes we are searching for criminals who have just committed crimes or offences,” Mr Loos told Totem radio. “By signalling [that police are there], motorists allow wanted individuals to avoid the police and turn back.

“We are all responsible for our own safety and the police are there to ensure it on a daily basis,” he added.

What does the law say? 

Legally, there is nothing to stop these uses of headlights (except for rules that state your headlights must not dazzle other road users at night).

This means that Mr Loos’ comment is not legally binding. However, because headlight flashing can mean several things and may cause confusion or startle drivers, it is not advised.

Read also: Five things they do not tell you about driving in France 

Police can, however, use other laws to work against other forms of alert for drivers looking to avoid police checks.

For example, Article L130-11 of the Code de la route states that police are authorised to block certain apps, such as Waze, from telling drivers about certain police checks in the event of a drink-driving, drug, or serious crime investigation. 

This aims to prevent offenders from being able to deliberately avoid checks by using these apps. However, it does not apply to actions such as drivers who flash headlights.

Headlight laws

France does have strict rules on the use and maintenance of headlights in general.

For example, articles R313-2 and R313-3 of the Code de la route stipulate the colour of the lights and their required strength. 

Headlamps must have two main beam lights (that can project 100 metres in clear weather at night), and two dipped-beam lights (that project 30 metres in clear weather at night without dazzling other drivers). The lamps must be yellow or white.

Similarly, if one of the bulbs stops working “you must replace it immediately”, states the Service Public website. This means that it is a good idea to keep replacement bulbs in your car so that you can replace the bulb if it breaks en route.

If a light stops working for any other reason you must fix it immediately to avoid driving with only one working headlamp.

Read more: Police warn drivers of car headlights rules in France

Drivers who are stopped for the offence of a non-working headlight have seven days to fix it and avoid a ‘third category’ fine of €68, which can rise to as much as €450 if unpaid or if a repeat offence.

If both lights are found to be faulty, drivers are liable to a ‘fourth category’ fine of €135 (which can rise to €750).

The Code de la route also states that if police or gendarmerie find that a vehicle’s headlights offer insufficient visibility either at night or day (so in the event of the absence of lights, non-conformity, or defect of the main or dipped beam headlights), they can confiscate the vehicle.