How to Safely and Effectively Use Your Vehicle’s Hazard Lights｜BLIAUTO Lighting Safety Guide

In everyday driving, hazard warning lights (also known as emergency lights or hazard flashers) are essential safety features equipped on every vehicle. They serve as a crucial warning signal in emergency situations, helping alert other road users and reduce the risk of accidents. In certain road conditions, they also play a vital role in enhancing vehicle visibility.

However, many drivers are unfamiliar with the proper scenarios, timing, and legal guidelines for using hazard lights. Some even misuse or overuse them, creating traffic hazards instead of improving safety. Today, BLIAUTO will provide a comprehensive guide on how to use hazard lights safely, properly, and effectively.

1. What Are Hazard Warning Lights?

Hazard warning lights are a mode in which both left and right turn signal lights flash simultaneously. The control is usually located on the dashboard as a red triangular button.

Their primary functions are:

To alert surrounding vehicles

To signal that the vehicle is experiencing an issue or preparing to stop

To enhance visibility in nighttime or poor weather conditions

2. Top 5 Scenarios When Using Hazard Lights Is Correct

According to traffic regulations and common driving knowledge, the following situations require or allow the use of hazard lights:

1. Vehicle Breakdown or Mechanical Failure

If your vehicle stalls, gets a flat tire, or breaks down on a highway or busy city road and cannot continue driving, turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert approaching vehicles.

2. Temporary Stop That May Obstruct Traffic

When stopping briefly at a non-designated location—especially at night or in low visibility conditions—hazard lights help make your vehicle more visible to others.

3. Minor Accident or Rear-End Collision

After a minor accident, if you're pulled over and out of traffic lanes, hazard lights should be on to notify others to steer clear.

4. Severe Weather Conditions (in some regions)

In heavy rain, thick fog, sandstorms, or snowstorms with very low visibility, some countries or regions allow the use of hazard lights along with tail lights for better recognition.

5. Passive Movement or Special Cases

If your car is being towed or part of an emergency transport situation, hazard lights should stay on to indicate its “non-standard” movement.

3. When You Should NOT Use Hazard Lights

Many drivers mistakenly turn on hazard lights in inappropriate situations, which is not only illegal in some areas but can also confuse or endanger others:

 Driving Normally in the Rain

This is a very common mistake. Hazard lights in rain may mislead others into thinking you're about to stop or there's an emergency, causing unnecessary braking or lane changes.

✔ Proper practice: Use fog lights + low beams. In extremely poor visibility (under 100m), add rear fog lights.

 Slow Driving or Traffic Jams

This is not an emergency. Using hazard lights during normal congestion may mislead drivers about road conditions.

 Turning or Changing Lanes with Hazard Lights

Some inexperienced drivers use hazard lights instead of turn signals at complex intersections. This creates confusion about direction and is extremely dangerous.

4. Common Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use hazard lights when picking someone up or loading goods?

A: It depends. If you're stopping briefly in a no-parking zone, turning on hazard lights is advised—but you should move as quickly as possible. Long-term stopping may still result in a fine.

Q2: Can hazard lights replace fog lights?

A: No. Fog lights are designed to cut through rain or fog, while hazard lights serve only as alerts and offer no real lighting. In low visibility, use fog lights + tail lights.

Q3: Should I turn on hazard lights when my car is being towed?

A: Yes. Towed vehicles must have hazard lights on to indicate non-standard driving status to others.

Q4: Do hazard lights drain the battery if left on after parking?

A: Yes. Especially when the engine is off, prolonged use of hazard lights can drain your car’s battery, potentially causing a no-start condition.

5. BLIAUTO Reminder: Hazard Lights Are Small, But Misuse Can Be Dangerous!

Though hazard lights are just a button, the message they send can significantly affect road safety. Proper use reflects a driver's sense of responsibility and shows respect for every road user’s safety.

If you’re looking to upgrade your lighting system, consider high-brightness, fast-response LED turn signals and taillights. Explore the BLIAUTO professional lighting product line to add enhanced safety to your vehicle!