In the know: When to use your vehicle's hazard lights

outlander-phev-interior-3

Every light in your vehicle has its purpose. Your headlights increase your visibility when driving at night, turn signals tell other drivers what direction you’re taking when making a turn, and ambient lighting — well, they simply enhance your car’s in-cabin experience. But what about hazard lights?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • When should you use your hazard lights?

    You should use your hazard lights when in an emergency or when you might pose a relative danger to others.
  • What particular treaty states when to use hazard lights?

    The use of hazard lights can be found on the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, a treaty in which the Philippines is a participant.
  • Today, we’re going to take a look at your hazard lights: when you’re supposed to use them and why.

    ertiga-interior-6

    When

    Experts say that hazard lights can only be used in an emergency situation. As the name implies, turning on the hazard lights tell other motorists that you are experiencing some kind of emergency (mechanical or medical) and that you either require assistance or that you might pose a relative danger to others.

    An example is when your car breaks down and you are unable to move the vehicle to a lay-by area to address the problem, therefore putting other road users at risk.

    Unfortunately, the words “risk” and “danger” can be subjective and other motorists deem that some situations require the use of a hazard light.

    There are a lot of forums online where drivers discuss when and why they turn their hazard lights on, and clearly, there’s some confusion about the use of hazard lights.

    Why

    The 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, a treaty in which the Philippines is a participant, says that a “hazard warning signal may be used only to warn other road-users of a particular danger: (a) When a vehicle which has broken down or has been involved in an accident cannot be moved immediately, so that it constitutes an obstacle to other road-users; and (b) when indicating to other road-users the risk of an imminent danger.”

    The said clause was made law by then-President Ferdinand Marcos in 1964 and was incorporated into our country’s system of rules.

    Conclusion

    It’s not a good practice to turn your hazard lights for inconsequential reasons, like when you’re driving in heavy rain, attempting to weave through heavy traffic, or when you’re simply pulling over. Doing so can cause confusion among other motorists which could result in unnecessary accidents.

    Driving with your hazard lights on when not in a “real” emergency situation can be considered reckless.

    Photos from Suzuki and Mitsubishi

    Also read: 

    In the know: Driving habits that can harm your transmission

    In the know: Child safety lock

    In the know: Halogen vs. HID vs. LED headlights

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured Cars

    • Upcoming

    Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • Advisory Stories
    • Road Test
    • Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
      Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
    • Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
      Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
      Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
    • TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
      TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
    • Isuzu PH aids Alaminos LGU in newest mangrove rehabilitation thrust
      Isuzu PH aids Alaminos LGU in newest mangrove rehabilitation thrust
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
    • Zeekr 7X now available in PH
      Zeekr 7X now available in PH
      Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
    • Nissan Livina vs. the competition
      Nissan Livina vs. the competition
      Cesar Miguel . Today
    • Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
      Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
      Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
    • Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
      Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
      Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
    • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
      Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
      Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
    • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
      Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
      Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
    • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
    • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
    • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
    • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
      Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
      Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
    • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
      Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
      Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
    • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
      First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
    • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
      BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
      Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
    • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
      Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
      Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025