How to tell drivers their lights aren't on.

[blobby10]

Is there a correct way to do this? Its happened a few times recently on my way home from work where cars in front of me haven't got rear, or in one case any, lights on and I couldn't work out the best way to let them know. One car was on the motorway and extremely invisible from behind but had some front lights on. Is there any etiquette?

I did consider jumping out of my own car at the traffic lights and knocking on their window but it was dark and i didn't want to scare anyone - which I would have been if someone had done it to me!
Did consider flashing them with my own lights but that seemed like a dick move

I just flash them - I think it’s fine. In fact I did it the other day to a cat who was in front of me leaving a car park, and they put hazards on to say thank you.

Flashing seems to be the done thing here. I think jumping out at lights is dangerous and also you never know what kind of reception you will get.

I flash them and they usually still don’t get the memo.

Excellent typo @Leafywool

flashing is what people do to me when I forget to put my lights on, it seems 🥴

Just flashing is fine.
I once used my husbands car that has automatic lights and didn't notice that full beam was on and someone flashed me. I had to pull over and figure out how to turn them off! I was glad they did and I would be glad if someone did if I didn't have any on at all too, although might be confused for a moment.

Either flashing or if I get in front I turn my lights on and off briefly. Doesn’t always work but easier to do from in front that behind as that relies on them checking their mirrors

Many modern cars have automatic lights which have front driving lights but no rear lights on. The same auto system keeps a dashboard brighter during the day and dulls it when you put side lights on.. Because legislation.
Only a few cars have front and rear on auto (Volvo...)
I think many, many drivers are unaware of this fact and rely on auto everything. It is so, so common.
I ignore them and get on with my day.

I dip my lights to side lights and back up again so I’m not blinding them, but am indicating to them there’s an issue with their lights.

i also liked @Leafywool‘s typo - please don’t edit it!

Flashing is totally normal. Definitely don't get out and knock at the window!

This is apt for me. My car has automatic lights, but about a year ago, they just turned themselves off when I was driving on a country lane in the dark! Since then, I've become more aware.

But only yesterday, I set off home from a friends house at 5:30, so it was dark, and it was only when I was halfway down her road (she lives on a cul-de-sac) that I realised that my lights had turned themselves off! Fortunately, I noticed before hitting the main road, and have also learnt where the dial is on my car to quickly put them to manual!

you drive past and go "your light your lights with hand gestures

Thanks everyone - flashing it is .

I also liked that very clever cat.

Whenever our car goes into the garage they turn the auto lights off

First I knew of this was when I was being flashed loads so pulled over and a Mum i knew from school told me my lights were out

The daylight lights which are on permanently can give you a false sense of this

Just don’t do it in a car park.

😂😂😂
or if they are in a woodland car park!!

🤣

Why do garages do this? It happened to me when I was driving on the motorway. Ipeople were flashing and I had no idea the garage had turned the auto lights off. It's so annoying