When should a driver use their hazard lights?

Using hazard lights is primarily intended to alert other drivers to a potential hazard or an unexpected situation. When a driver is stopped on the side of the road, activating hazard lights serves as a visual signal that indicates something is amiss. This alerts other motorists to exercise caution as they approach the stopped vehicle, thereby enhancing safety for both the driver and other road users.

While hazard lights can indeed be used in heavy traffic, the key factor here is the necessity to warn other drivers when a vehicle is stationary, especially if it may be affecting the flow of traffic or poses a safety risk. This situation underscores the importance of using hazard lights precisely when one is not moving, rather than just in heavy traffic or for signaling turns, which is not the purpose of hazard lights. Hazard lights should not be restricted to daytime use; they can also be used at night, further adding to the visibility of the stopped vehicle.