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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask a driving question?

145 replies

SendforJulietOne · 09/08/2026 10:04

If I passed you when driving (passing each other going opposite ways) and I flashed my headlights at you and made a thumbs down sign, would you understand what I mean?

Context- I thought this was well-known, DP has never heard of it, so we're wondering if it's local to my area.

OP posts:
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6
Mischance · 09/08/2026 10:18

I flash for a hazard - live rurally and narrow lanes. But I never warn of a speed trap - let them get caught and learn their lesson and perhaps make us all safer.

theneighboureatmysalad · 09/08/2026 10:18

I would take it as a warning of something coming, and if I see nothing in the next 2 minutes, I'd thought you were an idiot who didn't know how to pass cars 😂

timtamsarebetterthanpenguins · 09/08/2026 10:17

I would have no idea, but I'd guess it meant speed trap.

A general "flash" around here normally means hazard - as we're rural, that generally means walkers in the road, sheep or cows being moved, or a tree branch in the way.

Original poster
SendforJulietOne · 09/08/2026 10:14

Super quick replies!

Yes, to me the flash means "hazard" or "you've left your lights off/full beams on" but the flash with a thumbs down means "police speed trap"

DP had never heard of it and now has to do a speed awareness course!

OP posts:
Loulou4022 · 09/08/2026 10:12

I've never been flashed and then thumbs down, during the day id think there was a speed camera or police further ahead if at night that I assume I’d not got my lights on or had left my main beam on.

CrikeyMajikey · 09/08/2026 10:10

I’d assume so sory of hazard or speed camera ahead.
Not sure about the specifics of thumbs down though.

wombat1a · 09/08/2026 10:10

I'd assume the road ahead had an issue/accident, so to be ready to turn around.

Ncforthis2267 · 09/08/2026 10:09

Not seen the thumbs down, but a flash and palm down movement if there's a hazard ahead.

Actually did it this morning as there was a horse and rider on a winding fast paced road.

MagneticSquirrel · 09/08/2026 10:09

No idea! Never heard of it or seen it! (And been driving decades)

dizzydizzydizzy · 09/08/2026 10:08

I would think my headlights were not on or were on full beam. If it were daylight, I would wonder if there is some obstruction ahead so would slow down.

Dermatologically · 09/08/2026 10:08

I know moving your hand palm down means slow down so I'd assume police or an accident for that one

Purplecatshopaholic · 09/08/2026 10:07

Yes, if I didn’t have my full beam on by mistake, I’d assume there were traffic cops round the corner. Pretty standard in central Scotland.

ChagallsMuse · 09/08/2026 10:07

I'd think you mean speed trap.

Although I would immediately panic that I had a cup of coffee on my roof/ left the boot open/ was accidentally dragging a sheep behind me.

DDivaStar · 09/08/2026 10:07

Flashing is normally a warning of a hazard ahead. No idea about the thumbs down and not sure I'd even see it.

There is a particular busy country road I drive and people always flash lights if there's a broken down vehicle or pedestrians on the road ahead as a warning.

Divebar2021 · 09/08/2026 10:07

I wouldn’t know either. I would assume my lights were on full beam or there were police ahead doing speed checks.

Tittyfilarious · 09/08/2026 10:07

I'm guessing here but slightly different hand gesture where I live , slow down police speed check coming up

Dermatologically · 09/08/2026 10:06

No. I'd check I didn't have full beams on like a previous poster but if it wasn't that I'd be clueless

Zippidydoodah · 09/08/2026 10:06

I learned the hard way that flashing and moving hand palm down means slow down as there’s a police car round the corner. I didn’t think fuck off then to be fair, I was concerned and had no idea what they meant.

Seeline · 09/08/2026 10:05

Not have a clue.
Sounds as though it probably contravenes the Highway Code regardless of meaning.

Zippidydoodah · 09/08/2026 10:04

I’d check if I’d left my full beam on by accident and if I hadn’t, I’d probably think “what the fuck; fuck off!”