Can You Legally Flash Your Lights to Warn Indiana Drivers of Police Ahead?

When You See Flashing Headlights

You’re cruising down the Lloyd, headed to work or maybe out for a weekend trip, when suddenly the car coming toward you starts flashing its brights. At night, it’s usually a polite reminder that you’ve got your high beams on. But during the day? Nine times out of ten, it’s the universal “heads up - police up ahead” signal.

That brings up the big question: Is it actually legal in Indiana to flash your headlights and warn other drivers about a cop waiting down the road?

What Indiana Law Says About Flashing Your Headlights

The short answer: yes, it’s legal. There’s no specific Indiana law that says you can’t give drivers that friendly little warning. In fact, in some other states, courts have ruled that flashing your lights counts as free speech under the First Amendment. Indiana hasn’t gone quite that far with a court decision, but our state’s traffic code doesn’t outlaw it either.

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That said, there’s a catch. Indiana law does say you can’t use your high beams in a way that blinds or distracts other drivers. So if you’re flashing like crazy or doing it at night when someone’s close by, you could run into trouble for unsafe driving - even if your intentions were good.

Can You Still Get Pulled Over for Flashing Headlights?

And here’s another thing to keep in mind: while the act itself isn’t illegal, officers could still pull you over if they think you’re interfering with traffic enforcement or being reckless. Not exactly the kind of interaction you’re hoping for on your daily commute.

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So, what’s the bottom line for us here in Evansville? Flashing your lights to warn about a speed trap isn’t against the law, but it’s one of those “use common sense” situations. A quick, harmless flick of the brights in broad daylight? Probably fine. Blinding someone on the Twin Bridges at night? Not so much.

In other words: be courteous, be careful, and keep your eyes on the road.