Pass switch

**Clockwork** · 15th February 2012, 06:21

Every bike has one but I'm buggered if I know exactly what it's supposed to be used for. Can anyone advise? Does anyone use it? Is flashing headlights technically an offence (if you're not a B cup or bigger)

**mossy1200** · 15th February 2012, 06:27

some countries you flash your headlight before pulling out to pass so the car your passing notices you.

**oneofsix** · 15th February 2012, 06:31

Originally Posted by Clockwork

Every bike has one but I'm buggered if I know exactly what it's supposed to be used for. Can anyone advise? Does anyone use it? Is flashing headlights technically an offence (if you're not a B cup or bigger)

In some more cultured countries you use the pass switch to flash the vehicle ahead to let them know you are about to over take and they actually moderate their speed, they don't speed up

, and move over to give you visibility

making the passing manoeuvres safer. Yeah I know it is unbelievable but in some places driving on the roads isn't a competition and you can you the pass switch to signal your intentions and they let you pass

No it is not an offence to flash your headlights. It used to be you flashed your headlights to warning an on coming driver of a danger ahead an then they introduced radar speed traps and drivers rightly saw these as a danger but now most people think a headlight flash only refers to a speed trap. I still use it to alert others to crashes, unmarked road works etc. I figure if they have lift their level of attention to look out for the speed trap then they will see the other hazard earlier too.

**munster** · 15th February 2012, 06:31

In Europe it is used on the Autobahns to politely signal the slower vehicle in front that you wish to pass and then they politley move over to let you pass. Of course, this wouldn't work in NZ.

**Clockwork** · 15th February 2012, 06:36

Originally Posted by munster

In Europe it is used on the Autobahns to politely signal the slower vehicle in front that you wish to pass and then they politley move over to let you pass. Of course, this wouldn't work in NZ.

I was told that to "politely ask" they'd indicate to the passing side, even if there was no lane for them to move in to.

I'd love to be able to do this here but I don't think anyone would get it.

Don't know that I'd be too pleased with someone flashing headlights at night.

**roogazza** · 15th February 2012, 07:30

Originally Posted by Clockwork

Every bike has one but I'm buggered if I know exactly what it's supposed to be used for. Can anyone advise? Does anyone use it? Is flashing headlights technically an offence (if you're not a B cup or bigger)

A reasonable traffic warning device, you choose.

**grbaker** · 15th February 2012, 07:40

Also used to indicating to vechiles wanting to merge that they can go ahead. (I see you - go for it).

**oneofsix** · 15th February 2012, 07:49

Originally Posted by grbaker

Also used to indicating to vechiles wanting to merge that they can go ahead. (I see you - go for it).

Not always. In some places it is used to warn the vehicle that you are coming through regardless so stay out the way.

**Zedder** · 15th February 2012, 08:12

Originally Posted by oneofsix

Not always. In some places it is used to warn the vehicle that you are coming through regardless so stay out the way.

That's the problem, it has a number of meanings and also the legality of using it varies from place to place.

**Tigadee** · 15th February 2012, 08:13

Originally Posted by munster

In Europe it is used on the Autobahns to politely signal the slower vehicle in front that you wish to pass and then they politley move over to let you pass. Of course, this wouldn't work in NZ.

In NZ, you need frickin' laser beams attached to your frickin' headlights to get the frickin' cagers to move aside!

**Scuba_Steve** · 15th February 2012, 08:36

Originally Posted by Clockwork

Every bike has one but I'm buggered if I know exactly what it's supposed to be used for. Can anyone advise? Does anyone use it? Is flashing headlights technically an offence (if you're not a B cup or bigger)

In NZ it's only real use it to warn oncoming traffic of any scam ahead other than that it's pretty much a cosmetic feature of the bike

**avgas** · 15th February 2012, 08:46

Mine launches rockets

**SMOKEU** · 15th February 2012, 09:25

It's for when you do a runner from the cops at night. Turn your lights off, but hold the "pass switch" to activate your high beams. Cars have this feature too.