Is It Correct to Turn on Hazard Lights in Rainy Weather?
2 Answers
Turning on hazard lights in rainy weather is not entirely correct. According to Article 81 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow, fog lights, low beams, marker lights, and front and rear position lights should be turned on. Hazard lights can only be used together with fog lights when visibility is less than 100 meters. Below are relevant introductions about the use of hazard lights: 1. Vehicle accidents or malfunctions: In such cases, hazard lights should be turned on promptly, and a triangular warning sign should be placed 100-200 meters behind the vehicle to alert surrounding drivers of the issue, prompting them to slow down. 2. Temporary parking: If parking is required on a road where temporary parking is allowed, hazard lights must be turned on. Parking in no-parking zones with hazard lights on constitutes a traffic violation. 3. Towing a malfunctioning vehicle: When towing a malfunctioning vehicle, both the towing vehicle and the malfunctioning vehicle must have their hazard lights turned on.
I believe it's incorrect to use hazard lights in rainy weather because they are primarily intended to alert others when your vehicle is malfunctioning or stopped in an emergency. Turning them on while driving in the rain can confuse other drivers, making them think your car is in trouble, which increases the risk of rear-end collisions or accidents. Based on my years of driving experience, many accidents occur due to improper use of lights in low visibility. The correct approach is to turn on your fog lights or low beams to improve your visibility, while also reducing speed, maintaining a safe following distance, and ensuring your windshield wipers are functioning properly. Remember, in places like California or New York, laws explicitly prohibit moving vehicles from using hazard lights unless it's a genuine emergency. Following these rules helps avoid tickets and enhances safety. In short, no matter how heavy the rain, avoid using hazard lights unnecessarily—staying focused on driving is key.
