For many drivers, flashing their headlights at oncoming cars is second nature. Maybe you’ve done it yourself—usually to warn another driver about a speed trap up ahead or to give a quick heads-up about an accident or hazard.
It’s seen by many as an act of courtesy between drivers, a way to “have each other’s backs” on the road. But what if that well-intentioned signal isn’t always a good thing?
That’s the perspective TikTok user Bri (@bri.m.shaw_) shared in a video that’s making people rethink the practice altogether.
Her clip, which has over 121,100 views, breaks down why she believes flashing your lights could be more dangerous than you think.
Driver Warns: Don’t Flash Your Lights
In her video, Bri explains that her perspective shifted after reading a post on Facebook.
“If you flash your lights at people going down the road ‘cause you see a police or a cop or a state trooper, please stop and listen to this,” she begins. “Your perspective may change.”
She says seeing a Facebook post changed her perspective on this driving habit.
“We don’t know who we’re flashing,” she says. “It could be a doctor, it could be, you know, a parent, a mom running late, yada yada yada. But it also could be a sex trafficker, a thief, the next murderer that the police are trying to find.”
That idea stopped her in her tracks.
“And that literally changed me,” she admits. “Because it’s like I’ve done that before, and I never would have thought about that ever. I’m just trying to be nice because sometimes I speed.”
She closes with a plea. “If they get a ticket because they’re speeding, then they just get a ticket,” she says. “They’ll learn someday.”
In her caption, she added, “Let’s get the word out to stop flashing others when going down the road!! Such an eye opener.. I hope this post encourages you to stop!!”
Could Flashing Your Headlights Get You In Legal Trouble?
Beyond the ethical question, there’s also the legal one: Can you actually get ticketed for flashing your headlights?
According to Ultrabright Lightz, the answer depends on the state you’re in. While it’s generally considered legal, in California, for example, you could get in trouble for temporarily blinding other drivers.
Under Texas law, you can be penalized if you interfere with public duties, but local law firms say there’s a clear exemption: warning another driver about a police “speed trap.”
That means it is legally not considered interference if it’s purely an act of speech or warning.
That said, state law still bans using high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic or 300 feet behind another vehicle, so the method of flashing could still land you a citation.
@bri.m.shaw_ Let’s get the word out to stop flashing others when going down the road!! Such an eye opener.. I hope this post encourages you to stop!!
Commenters Share Their Thoughts
In the comments, drivers were divided.
“Flashing lights for police warning will get you a ticket,” one person said.
Another pushed back, saying, “I will still flash my lights. This is a lot to assume. Based on this logic, you could be holding the door open for a murderer at the store. It’s life.”
Someone else brought up another concern, saying, “Agree with this statement and am adding on: could also be someone who’s epileptic (yes we are allowed to drive) and u might cause someone to seize.”
BroBible has reached out to Bri via TikTok direct messages for comment.