We’ve all driven through some major storms that make it difficult to see. Everyone slows down and some cars light up as drivers turn their hazard lights on. But what they don’t know is that doing this could be illegal. 

Is it illegal to drive in the rain with your hazard lights on? 

On a dark and stormy afternoon, as rain pounds the highway, you might be tempted to turn your hazard lights on so other people can see your car. 

However, it might be illegal to drive with your hazards on. In some states, like Florida and Alaska, the use of caution lights is not permitted. 

In states like Arizona, using your hazards is not permitted except during an emergency situation. In Delaware and California, you can only use caution lights to indicate a traffic hazard. In North Carolina and North Dakota, you can use your hazard lights unless otherwise posted.

If you use your hazards in states where it’s not permitted, you may be fined up to $100 or more. Using your four-way flashers can actually be dangerous. 

Using these lights while in motion during times with low visibility can be distracting and mislead drivers. They may think that vehicles ahead of them with their flashers on could be stopped or not moving.

People may be unaware that you’re braking,  which can slow traffic down and increase the risk of rear-end collisions. 

Plus, your flashers could be distracting in inclement situations when people need to be extra careful and focused. 

Using them also turns off your ability to use your turn signals, and you don’t want to merge without letting other drivers know your intentions when visibility is low. Merging without your turn signals can result in a traffic ticket. 

If conditions are so bad that you feel the need to use your flashers, then it’s probably unsafe to drive. You may want to pull over or stop at a gas station until the storm passes. 

Instead of using your flashers, turn on your windshield wipers and your low beams. It may seem more beneficial to use your high beams, but they may bounce off the water and reflect in your eyes. 

So, instead of using your flashers, pull over, or slow down with your wipers and low beams on.