Etiquette v The Highway Code

'Only flash your lights to let other road users know you are there. Do not flash your lights to convey any other message'
From the Highway Code rule 110

TanaMa

Not an answer to this but a grumble about use/nonuse if indicators!!
Twice recently whilst waiting to exit from a side road, approaching vehicle was indicating that they were turning into my road. I had just started to draw forward when said vehicles continued straight across.my path and didn't turn as indicated. Luckily I braked quickly enough to avoid a collision. Also vehicles who, without indicating, suddenly take a turning left or right immediately in front of my car - as I don't drive closely behind a vehicle in front, no problem, but still annoying!

I was taught by my driving instructor to ignore cars which indicated to turn into a side road aa they might have left their indicator on from a previous turn. I wait until I can see that the car has started to turn before moving forward - better safe than sorry!

I must see what it says in the Highway Code about such situations.

I have been known to raise a finger or two whilst driving, not by way of thanks.

With the poor standard if driving nowadays anyone who dies observe the rules deserves acknowledgement even if just a raised finger. Too many will,even knowing they are obliged to obey rules of the road, try to beat the system sometimes causing others to take action no matter how slight. Traffic lights in the main have cameras mounted on them so more inclination to obey, but sure we have all seen the idiots who speed through on amber.

Not an answer to this but a grumble about use/nonuse if indicators!!
Twice recently whilst waiting to exit from a side road, approaching vehicle was indicating that they were turning into my road. I had just started to draw forward when said vehicles continued straight across.my path and didn't turn as indicated. Luckily I braked quickly enough to avoid a collision. Also vehicles who, without indicating, suddenly take a turning left or right immediately in front of my car - as I don't drive closely behind a vehicle in front, no problem, but still annoying!

Beetle drivers used to as well.

Mazda Mx 5 drivers have a tradition of waving st each other!

I believe this courtesy comes from the beginning of the advent of motor vehicles on our roads. My father who learned to drive in the early 1920's told me when I was learning to drive in the 1960's that it started when there were cars which moved at walking pace and horse drawn vehicles had the right of way. The acknowledgement of the giving way courtesy died out as cars got quicker and horse drawn vehicles were not in use so much. It is not taught but it is purely courtesy nowadays.

I don't drive, but I do a similar thing when a driver stops at a crossing, to let me cross - to my mind, the simple acknowledgement helps them feel less irritated at having to stop.

I do it on my pushbike, too - and I'm often tempted when I'm a passenger in a car.

I always raise my hand to thank but never flash my lights. Flashing lights can mean many things including giving someone right of way.

I always smile or raise my hand. It doesn't hurt to be courteous.

Buttonjugs

Redhead56

It is a polite British way to be however your hands should be on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. Safety before pleasantly waving to another motorist.

You can raise your hand from the top of the steering wheel.

Also you take your hand off to use indicator so you can easily raise it for a moment to acknowledge…

No! It's a real bugbear of mine. Like you say, it doesn't happen at traffic lights. Nor roundabouts.

Lots of single track roads here and really annoying when people speed along and then expect others to move out of the way for them, particularly noticeable with women drivers at school run times. Very few of them show any thanks.
On the plus side I have recently noticed that male drivers tend to see an elderly female driver (ie me) and immediately reverse rather than expect me to back up - very grateful I look so old and probably incapable!!!

I like these little driving waves and nods and do it a lot. It's friendly and makes me feel part of something, somehow.

Nothing wrong with polite acknowledgment of another’s efforts.

Redhead56

It is a polite British way to be however your hands should be on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road. Safety before pleasantly waving to another motorist.

You can raise your hand from the top of the steering wheel.

I always do, it’s a relief sometimes that people have stopped when it’s not their right of way!

I put a hand up in thanks, I NEVER flash my lights other drivers blind me at night and as someone said above it is now illegal

Good manners cost nothing. Always say or acknowledge thanks.

What’s not to like - doesn’t cost you anything and much appreciated by other road users ?

It's just making brief friendly contact with another human being... so necessary nowdays

At least out here in the sticks we can justify something that will act as a snow plough Lucca. Definitely not a fashion statement here! But I know just what you mean.

Interestingly, just this evening, I allowed a police car in front of me and the driver waved in thanks. So much for the 'law'. Have to say, I liked it.

Germanshepherdsmum

Lucca

In a Range Rover……

?

Sorry but I live in a town with so many yummy mummies swanning around in unnecessary four wheel drives often parked badly etc…..