Is it illegal to drive with hazard lights on?
2 Answers
Driving with hazard lights on in non-low visibility weather conditions is considered illegal. Here are the situations when hazard lights should be used: When temporarily parked on the road: When temporarily parked on the road, especially in non-motorized lanes or when borrowing a lane for parking, the hazard warning lights should be turned on immediately to alert passing vehicles and pedestrians for safety. The driver should not leave the vehicle casually. When involved in a traffic accident: If a vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, the hazard warning lights should be turned on immediately to alert passing vehicles and pedestrians for safety, and the authorities should be notified promptly to await rescue or handling. When reversing or making a U-turn: When reversing or making a U-turn in complex road sections, the hazard warning lights should be turned on to alert passing vehicles and pedestrians for safety and to draw attention.
When I first started driving, I was also quite confused about whether hazard lights could be used while moving. Later, I learned that hazard lights are originally meant to warn of danger, such as sudden vehicle breakdowns or emergency stops on the roadside. Turning them on while driving can mislead drivers behind into thinking you're in an accident, leading to risks of rear-end collisions or sudden braking. I once saw a friend casually using hazard lights on the highway, and the traffic police immediately issued a ticket, stating it was a violation of traffic laws. In China, traffic regulations clearly require hazard lights to be used only when necessary. Using them during normal driving is considered improper use of signal lights, often resulting in penalty points and fines. So now, I only use them for emergencies and avoid them otherwise. Safety comes first—avoiding unnecessary trouble is basic driving knowledge.
