To have let car with flashing lights past

[MyRabbit79]

I'm a relatively new driver and just had a weird experience.

I was driving locally in a 30 limit when I noticed the car behind me had its headlights on but also a kind of bar of flashing white and blue lights all across the front of the car. I thought it could be an unmarked police car responding to an emergency so indicated left and pulled over to let it past.

It sped past, accelerating way beyond 30, at which point it appeared to be an incredibly dirty boy racer type car with huge plumes of dark fumes coming out of the exhaust and the entire back black with dirt. I felt silly because it was obviously not a police car and also completely thrown.

Has anyone else seen this?

I can't say whether or not I would have pulled over, i probably would have if safe/easy. This sort of driver is better off in front or you rather than behind! You did the right thing.

I agree. Always let a stupid driver go past if you can. Better to have them a reasonable gap ahead than sitting on your bumper with no stopping distance.

Always let blue lights through and i would call the local station to let them know that someone is running a blue light bar.

It is possible that it was an unmarked car which blended in very well eg drugs squad

I'm pretty sure it's illegal to have any blue lights if you're not the emergency services.

You did the right thing, OP. Don't stress - there are plenty of idiots on the road to deal with.

It might be a firefighter. Senior officers have cars with internal blue lights (behind front grill) so they can get to large fires or rescues quickly. They are usually much grubbier than a usual emergency vehicle.

Thanks everyone and interesting about the firefighter possibility. I actually know a firefighter so I might mention it and see what he says.

I felt silly because it was obviously not a police car

If it was safe to move over, I'd always prefer to have a driver like that in front of me than behind.

If someone is trying to get past you for whatever reason it’s always best to let them past when it is safe for you to do so. You never know the circumstances they are in.