Flashlight Etiquette: Using Light Considerately Around Other People
Simple manners for using a torch in shared spaces, from cinemas and bedrooms to roads and campsites.
A torch is a small tool with a big effect on other people's comfort and safety. A few habits make you a considerate light-user.
The golden rule: never in the face
A bright light shone into someone's eyes can dazzle them and cause temporary blindness, making them stumble or lose their bearings. Always point the beam down or away, and if you accidentally catch someone, apologise.
On the road
- Never shine a torch at drivers. It can blind them and cause an accident.
- Do not use a torch to signal to moving vehicles in ways that could confuse them.
- If you're walking on a road at night, point the light at the ground and wear reflective clothing.
At home
- Bedrooms: use the lowest, most indirect light so you don't wake others.
- Children's rooms: avoid pointing the light at a sleeping child's face.
- Late at night: consider bouncing the light off a wall or floor.
In shared spaces
| Place | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Cinemas and theatres | keep light pointed down, and use it only if necessary |
| Libraries and study rooms | avoid flashing light across others |
| Trains and buses at night | use a low, downward light |
| Hostels and dorms | use it sparingly and shield it |
Outdoors
- Camping: keep beams low, especially near other tents.
- Stargazing sites: bright lights spoil others' night vision, so keep it brief and pointed down.
- Wildlife areas: avoid shining light at animals.
Shielding a light
You can soften a torch by:
- Cupping your hand around the LED.
- Holding it low and pointing at the ground.
- Bouncing it off a nearby surface.
Asking permission
If you need light near someone sleeping or watching something, ask quietly first.
Lights and safety
Respecting others also means using light so that people can see you. On roads, visibility matters as much as courtesy, so pair torch use with reflective gear.
The takeaway
A one-tap torch is easy to switch on and off. Use that to your advantage: switch on for a moment, get what you need, then switch off.
Night Torch
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