Sharing The Road With Semi's

[PopPop51]

It definitely varies by state. Here's an AAA compilation:
http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/hazard-light-use/

But I like the common-sense approach taken by the Federal Aviation Regulations for pilots:
"Both FAR 91.3(b) and ICAO Annex 2, par. 2.3.1, specifically empower the PIC [Pilot In Command] to override any other regulation in an emergency, and to take the safest course of action at his/her sole discretion."

Because if I'm rounding a bend at highway speed and suddenly see traffic ahead of me stopped or nearly stopped, I want the folks roaring up behind me to pay special attention to me as I slow down. Plain old brake lights may not register with them as a "This is not your average slowing from 70 to 60" signal, so my flashers are going on until I am sure they've figured out that something's up.

 

[blw2]

i do the same thing as PopPop, but as soon as the cars behind me slow, they go off.  It's a very momentary thing and I try hard to not roll with the flashers on.

 

[TonyDtorch]

Tony - are they still driving tractor trailer?  And have tags for their truck?  In some states, you can have it if you drive "Farm", are a yard jockey, and in some you can keep your CDL license and just not drive OTR. (Over the road)

It's can be leg injuries or even some arthritis that will get you the 'Rock-star blue tag' parking.

It's really just a doctors opinion of 'disabling' pain,  and a signature on a simple DMV form.
in some places you can just hand a doctor the form and $50.

DMV checks to see the doctors MD number is valid, and hands you a blue card....( for free !)

as for all those rigorous DOT physicals over the years,  I've had many in-and-out 15 minute DOT physicals for $65.00.  guys will even tell you all the 'fast n friendly' spots.    The guys with high BP,  know when to take a Viagra and where to go in.

The state of CA has no time or money to ever look it...( and I'm not even sure CDL's can discriminate against gimps. the doctor signs the phy. form and the feds or state can't really question it. ) 

Business just look for the right set of papers for lawsuit prevention and employment.
I have one friend that has a H/C plate on his Harley.... and he's a OTR driver for a very large foreign auto maker.

DOT is always mired in bureaucracy will all the well-intended laws,  there's no enforcement until there is a problem.

The system ain't always right,  it just is...what it is.

it is all up to you on how you play the system.... (for me,  I just look to our leaders for the acceptable obedience level... )

 

[blw2]

looking at that AAA link sumarizing the state laws... I find it interesting that only one or two states actually define the useage with a speed limit.
and to me the logical thing IF it were to be allowed, would be to stipulate  the use only if so many MPH, or so may %, UNDER the speed limit.  Don't think any state was listed that way.

 

[TonyDtorch]

IMO, the meaning of a large vehicle driving up hill with the 4 way flashers is, "I'm doing the best I can, please pass with care"

oversize permit loads going down the road often run the 4 ways for the same reason, "pass with care"

even when vehicles are dead stopped with the flashers on,  it still means... "pass with care".

the only thing that may be illegal is if it interferes with a turn indication signal...so,  you turn the flashers off before you need to do that.

It's the same as the 'common sense lane speed law'.  Slower traffic should keep to the right,....if you are driving the posted limit in CA legally you don't have to do that,...... but, out of courtesy you should move right whenever possible just in case someone may want to go faster than the posted speed limit.

Ask a CHP about that and he will just recite the actual V/C rules. The speed limit is the same in all the lanes.

 

[ArdraF]

When you are driving slower than the minimum speed limit on a Interstate

Based on observation, this is the key part of the question.  Some states post minimum limits and it would be appropriate to warn those behind you that you're going much slower than them.  Aside from a posted minimum, it's still a good idea if you're going slower than other traffic to let them know about it.  You can be going at a nice speed and get caught behind a very slow truck and as a result lose your revs.  I figure when the semis have their flashers on and I'm going as slow as them I should turn mine on too.  It's all common sense and road courtesy.

ArdraF

 

[legrandnormand]

X2

 

[legrandnormand]

Nah, i'm pretty sure it's not just wacky california.  That's pretty much a universal rule that you should not run with your flashers on.  Put them on when stopped, not when you are rolling.

Keep on reading the post... 

 

[richardhufford]

About 20 years ago, I was pulled over here in Arizona for driving a Chevette on the shoulder with the flashers on.  I don't remember if my primary offense was driving on the shoulder or driving with the flashers on, but the DPS officer told me not to do either one.  The car had overheated and I just wanted to get home, so I was driving slowly and stopping a lot.  I think the reasoning for the law is that when visibility is low, like at night or in fog or a dust storm, any car with the flashers on is assumed to be stopped.  A driver coming up on you from behind would think you are on the shoulder and pass you on the left, without realizing that he or she may be facing oncoming traffic.

 

[legrandnormand]

The main object of the 4 way flashers is being seen by others coming towards you, and for any consideration !
Never mind the troopers or whoever, just put them on when you are a threat...

 

[caz]

In the end, whether it be flashers, turn signals, weight, and so on, first and foremost while on the road is your own safety, and the safety of others around you.  Stay alert, be aware, look ahead. 

Keep a head of it. <-- First thing always pounded into the heads of truckers.

My thanks to all who are reading and posting!