Drivers face fines of up to £1,000 if they are caught doing some commonly used ‘thank you’ gestures while behind the wheel of a car.
As communicating with other drivers is a bit more complicated that having a person-to-person chat, many of us resort to using the tools of our cars to show our appreciation for an act of kindness on the roads.
This includes flashing our headlights or hazard lights to say thank you, the Mirror reports.
Research carried out National Tyres and Autocare found that almost a third (29.1 per cent) of drivers choose to thank you on the roads by waving.
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Around one in five people (21.2 per cent) prefer to use their headlights, while 17.3 per cent said they would give a thumbs up.
The study also found that 8.4 per cent choose to wiggle their indicators from side-to-side and 6.5 per cent of drivers told the researchers that they don't thank other motorists.
But the Highway Code states that thanking fellow drivers could land motorists with hefty fines. These are some of the potential penalties:
Flashing headlights - Up to £1,000 fine
Rule 110 of the Highway Code states: "Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there… Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users."
If caught, drivers can be fined up to £1,000.
Hazard lights - Up to £,1000 fine
Rule 116 of the Highway Code states: “You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.”
If caught drivers can be fined up to £1,000.
Wave or thumbs up - Up to £1,000 fine and 3 penalty points
Rule 160 of the Highway Code states: "Drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times. You may use driver assistance systems while you are driving. Make sure you use any system according to the manufacturer’s instructions."
Being in breach of having proper control of their vehicle can land drivers with a £1,000 fine, discretionary disqualification, and three penalty points on their licence.
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