Is it Illegal to Flash Your Headlights at Other Drivers in Michigan?

Can you get in trouble for flashing your high beams at other Michigan drivers? The answer may surprise you.

Nothing is more annoying than someone who refuses to turn off their bright lights. You want to flash them but are unsure if it's a cop. If it is, you're more than likely going to get a ticket, right?

This became the topic of discussion the other night when someone flashed their brights at me. I have no idea why because I had my low beams on. They blasted me with their brights at about 20 feet out. This got me wondering whether or not it was illegal.

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Is it illegal to Flash Your Headlights at Other Drivers in Michigan?

According to Michigan.gov, it is illegal to use or flash high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

Apparently, flashing headlights is a constitutionally protected form of speech. However, if you're going to do it, make sure you don't do it within 500 feet of other drivers. If caught flashing your high beams within that 500-foot radius, you could get a citation.

I've never heard of someone getting a ticket for flashing their beams at other drivers but I do know a couple of people that got a ticket for flashing their headlights at police. Well, technically, the police used that as an excuse to pull them over but gave them a ticket for something else.

Michigan Secretary of State:

• It is illegal to use or even flash high-beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

• If oncoming drivers do not dim their headlights, keep your eyes on the right edge of the road ahead. Do not look directly into oncoming headlights. The glare may blind you for several seconds.

• Do not use high beams when behind other vehicles. Bright lights shining in their rearview mirrors can be distracting.