Why is a passing light called a Passing light?

[dragstaar]

Exactly as the title asks.

I've always been intrigued as to this.

I take that it supposed to be used when passing something?? Is it supposed to be used for what we use it for? i.e. flashing someone out of a side road etc.

[dogbot]

I seem to remember being taught, way back in the misty reaches of time, that it was intended to flash a car before passed them, so they knew you were about to pass.

Not sure most people would interpret it that way (average driver: "oh, someone behind me is flashing. I'd better accelerate. Or brake. Or perhaps, swerve wildly...")

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

No. It works a bit like a KERS button. Gives you a 5 second boost of extra power (usually around 10 bhp). The light comes on to let other road users know you've hit your passing button.
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[blurredman]

[johnsmith222]

[Paxovasa]

I use it for flashing other bikes.

But it was designed to warn other motorists.
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[colin1]

I agree with dogbot. The idea being you are alerting them to your presence, so they are then notice while you pull alongside them and on past them.

The idea being this may discourage them from conducting a similar manouevr, pulling into you as you are alongside them.

However, as mentioned, although it would still get someone to notice you, they may be puzzled as to why you are flashing.

A rather neat use of it, is to wire it to a number plate flip up gadget. For a while I had my eye on old litre bike on ebay that had one of these fitted in such a manner. Very cheeky. I've heard you can improvise something similar with a number plate mounter to an electric screwdriver in some way.
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[pinkyfloyd]

I thought it was to alert other road users of naked people in the area. My flashing light is never used.
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[yen_powell]

If you're going to overtake, a flash of your headlights and a double tap of your hooter will alert the driver ahead so he knows not to wander vaguely off line as you pass him. People forget that horns and lights have civilised uses as well as being instruments to show displeasure.
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[UnknownStuntm...]

[27cows]

I always thought the passing light was flashed to give way to an oncoming vehicle - ie inviting a vehicle coming the opposite way to pass you. Maybe why it's also referred to the courtesy light

If someone flashed behind me I'd think something was wrong - such as my numberplate had just fallen off or whatever.
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[soforene]

Flashing your lights is the same as sounding your horn.
It says "Look! I am here!".

What other drivers interpret it as is up to them (and no doubt the subject of numerous Court cases).

[blurredman]

[Gerrard]

[Nemo]

The only reason I use mine is when I'm going up the country lane in the dusk/dark after work. I flash it a couple of times before entering a corner.
It's also good for telling cars to turn their f*cking full beams off as they come towards you, tonight I was going round a corner, flashed before entering (whimpy horn...not much use) and the car refused to turn his full beam off, so I had to lift the visor up so I could see where I was going, and got attacked by a fly, which at 60mph rather hurts.

So yeah, long story short, I'M HERE C*NTS


Obviously I don't use it much in summer....
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[Rogerborg]

I'm pretty sure that a fair number of road users would take it as invitation to race, which is about the last thing you want if you're trying an overtake.

I might use it to wake up a flat cap, but he'd be a likely to veer right as left.
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[Glenben92]

[Paivi]

I've never heard of 'passing light', nor would I realise that if somebody flashed their main beams behind me that they were about to overtake. If, however, they turned their indicator on, I'd get it.
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[Nick__C]

mine has one nicely labelled 'passing'. Used it today on a car who indicated to change lane but nicely stopped when he saw me.. So i let him go.. Good cager karma for me?
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[dragstaar]

Yeah that makes sense. It seems we've just lost the concept of what flashing your lights at someone would mean. I don't think any cager would, if you asked them what a motorcyclist flashing their lights behind you meant, would say that it was a warning of an overtake.

Probably think its an invitation to come dogging

[Easter Bunny]

I am frankly amazed that people are unaware of the real uses of a passing light or a horn!

whilist over taking a line of cars I am quite aware of the possibilty of one of them simply pulling out without using there mirror and on occasions indicators too and when in doubt use full beam (only in daylight), yes again its not the use it was intended for but I'd much rather they know I'm there!

I have never flashed a vehicle throu/out, it should be made highly illegal, just as easy to wave/nod them throu/out .
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[The Original Muzza]

It's actually a "Passive" light. It's for being passive aggressive. You pretend you use it to alert them of your prescence, but it actually means "Watch out you doddering old cunt".
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[The Shaggy D.A.]

It's an archaic term from the days when there were hardly any other cars on the road, so everyone drove with "driving lights" or high beam. If you passed another car, you'd dip them by using "passing lights".

Dunno how it became bastardised into the opposite though.
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[blurredman]

Problem with people using it to let others through is that there could be two cars waiting. You see one and not the othere, you flash. They both go and CRASH!
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[Glenben92]