Is it illegal to keep hazard lights on while driving?
3 Answers
It is considered a traffic violation, specifically for not using vehicle lights as required, punishable by a 1-point deduction and a fine. Here are the relevant details: 1. When part of a police-approved motorcade: Only motorcades that have been reported to and approved by traffic police are permitted to use hazard lights while driving. Unapproved motorcades (such as wedding processions or self-driving tour groups) using hazard lights while driving is not legally allowed. This is the most commonly seen situation on the road. 2. In case of vehicle malfunction: If a vehicle breaks down during road travel and cannot be moved to a safe area promptly, the hazard warning lights should be turned on immediately to alert passing vehicles and pedestrians for safety, and the authorities should be notified promptly while waiting for assistance.
A few days ago, I was driving my new car home on the highway. Feeling nervous, I turned on the hazard lights, thinking it would make me more visible and safer. However, I was pulled over by a traffic officer who educated me that this is a violation. Hazard lights should only be used in emergencies, such as a vehicle breakdown or during heavy fog or rain when visibility is poor. Using them unnecessarily can mislead other drivers into thinking there’s an issue, potentially causing accidents if they fail to yield properly. After that lesson, I looked it up and found that traffic laws clearly state that using hazard lights without reason is a violation. If caught by cameras or on-site inspection, it can result in a fine of at least 200 yuan and possible demerit points. Driving is no joke—safety comes from following the rules. Now, I only use hazard lights in special situations, and changing this habit has made the roads smoother for everyone. Sharing this with you all so you don’t make the same mistake I did.
I often remind my driving friends that unnecessarily turning on hazard lights is not only against the rules but also risky. Hazard lights are originally designed to warn others in emergency situations, such as vehicle breakdowns or low visibility environments—they are life-saving signals. Using them during normal driving is like sending false alarms on the road, misleading drivers behind. Once they become desensitized, encountering real dangers could lead to even bigger accidents. The key to safe driving is maintaining consistent warnings and not disrupting traffic order. I recommend using hazard lights only in compliant scenarios, such as heavy rain, thick fog, or when the car breaks down on the roadside, and avoiding the switch at other times. This not only prevents fines (usually a 200-yuan penalty and 1-point deduction) but also safeguards road harmony. Cultivating good habits makes driving more reassuring.
