Article
Honkin’ Facts
Q&A
Flashing Brake Lights: Are They Legal?
I’m getting conflicting results searching for legalities of flashing brake lights. I find them super annoying and distracting, especially in traffic. Are they legal?
— Natalie Merrow, Costa Mesa
Maybe.
Honk has seen them on the roads once or twice, and he found them a bit distracting, too. Others likely see them as a safety measure, telling those behind, "Dudes, I am slowing down!"
Brian Kinsey, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol out of the San Juan Capistrano outpost, doesn’t recall seeing them out in the asphalt jungle. But he was kind enough to look at the law.
Once activated, the lights cannot flash more than four times in four seconds.
There are plenty of videos online showing how to install a device that makes the lights work that way. Kinsey took a look-see at some video clips with examples that Honk forwarded.
"The lights appear to flash more than four times within the first four seconds, making them illegal," he told Honk.
So, those planning on getting a device for their red or amber lights, just be wise.
Who to Call for a Derelict Car Leaking Oil on a Public Street?
— Susan Prichard, Wilmington
In Los Angeles, give a jingle to the city’s Department of Transportation.
"We do have a hotline to call in a traffic (enforcement) complaint," said Colin M. Sweeney, the agency’s spokesman.
It is 213-972-8470. The website is ladotparking.org.
The DOT handles traffic violations involving parked vehicles, such as in the situation you mentioned, Susan, or when a car or truck blocks a driveway, for example. The Police Department handles moving violations.
A DOT traffic officer would likely roll out to the leaker and then refer the problem to the city’s sanitation division, who would take it from there.
Those who live elsewhere should call their city hall or, if in an unincorporated stretch, the county’s top administrator’s office for a lead on who to reach out to.
Conclusion
Honk hopes this information helps clarify the legalities of flashing brake lights and who to contact for a derelict car leaking oil on a public street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who does one call about a derelict car leaking oil on a public street?
A: In Los Angeles, give a jingle to the city’s Department of Transportation. For others, call their city hall or the county’s top administrator’s office.
Q: Are flashing brake lights legal?
A: Maybe. According to the California Highway Patrol, once activated, the lights cannot flash more than four times in four seconds.
