What Emergency Flashers Communicate to Other Drivers
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Emergency flashers tell other drivers that your vehicle is stopped, disabled, or moving unusually slowly, and they should generally be reserved for those situations rather than used while still driving normally.
Emergency flashers, often called hazard lights, are one of the simplest but most misused signaling tools in a vehicle.
What Activating Them Signals
Flashing all four turn signals at once tells nearby drivers your vehicle is stopped, broken down, or otherwise not moving at normal traffic speed, which is different from the specific directional information given by regular direction indicators.
When Their Use Is Appropriate
- Pulled over on a shoulder
- Stopped briefly in a travel lane due to a hazard
- Moving well below normal speed, such as in dense fog
When They Can Create Confusion
Using flashers while still driving normally in traffic can confuse other drivers about your intentions and is generally discouraged outside of the specific situations above.