A large section of drivers lack proper knowledge regarding the use of road signals while driving, and about how to follow signboards correctly. One such area of ignorance involves the use of hazard warning lights. It's common to see vehicles with all four indicator lights flashing during heavy rain or fog. But is this the correct practice? The Kerala Police is now assessing public awareness about the proper use of hazard lights.

As part of this effort, the police have shared a post on social media asking, “When should hazard lights be used?”
 

According to the police, many people are unaware of what hazard lights are, their purpose, and the correct situations in which they should be activated. Hazard warning lights refer to the simultaneous flashing of all four turning indicators of a vehicle. These lights are activated using the red switch (with a triangle symbol) on the vehicle’s dashboard.

However, the police note that a common misuse of hazard lights is becoming increasingly visible on our roads, often creating confusion. The Facebook post by the Kerala Police explains the appropriate scenarios in which hazard lights should be used:

When should hazard lights be used?

Hazard warning lights should be used only in emergency situations where the vehicle has to be stopped on the road, to alert the vehicles approaching from behind.

  • Using hazard lights while changing lanes or taking turns can mislead drivers behind and cause confusion.
  • Many drivers wrongly use hazard lights at road junctions to indicate that they are going straight—this should be strictly avoided.
  • When you see a vehicle with hazard lights on, assume that it has been stopped and proceed with caution.
  • If a vehicle needs to move slowly on a congested road (for instance, heavily loaded vehicles or vehicles towing another vehicle), hazard warning lights can be used.
  • According to the Motor Vehicles Act, hazard lights should never be used while driving a vehicle under normal conditions.
  • However, you may use hazard lights if your vehicle is being towed.
  • Do not use hazard warning lights during rain or fog.