With the development of apps to signal the presence of law enforcement on the road, it seems that the old technique of turning on headlights is over. I’m not so sure after all. In fact, some motorists continue to use this method to signal the presence of law enforcement during roadside checkpoints in particular. A gesture that, however, could have serious repercussions.
What do you risk by turning on your headlights to signal the presence of law enforcement?
A beacon call – Source: spm
It is not uncommon that when traveling the roads in your vehicle you face roadblocks, established by police or gendarmes. Even if it is now possible to report them via various driver assistance applications, some motorists prefer to go for the good old fashioned method of alerting other drivers, namely the legendary flash of headlights. However, is this practice legal?
It is not legally prohibited to turn on your headlights and no law says otherwise. Therefore, strictly speaking, it is not prohibited to turn on the headlights. This is what is stated elsewhere, on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.
However, the flashing light can be punished in case of abuse.
In fact, the police could fine you based on article R.416-6 of the Highway Code if the repeated use of high beams, otherwise the headlights, dazzles other road users. So it would cost you a fixed fine of 135 euros, reduced to 90 euros. In fact, the police believe that the excessive use of flashing lights hinders the proper development of their mission, namely roadblocks, as reported in Ouest-France. In addition, they do not hesitate to affirm that roadside checks are carried out with a preventive and not a punitive nature.
Roadside control carried out by a gendarme – Source: spm
What should you do if you think the fine you received is excessive?
Rest assured, it is always possible to challenge a flat fine or an increased flat fine. Note, however, that it is not it is no longer possible to challenge it when it is resolved. By doing so, he acknowledges having committed the crime charged against him..
However, to contest a ticket, you can do so in two different ways. you can do it onlineby going to the following site: https://www.antai.gouv.fr/designation-ou-contestation/ and then clicking the “Nominate or Challenge Online” button. Or then, do it by mail by submitting the “exemption request form” received with your notice, as well as the “complaint form,” the document that accompanies your increased flat penalty.
In addition, you can always turn to associations whose objective is to help you solve this problem if you feel lost.
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