Producing light effect photos on roads
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Chappers
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That's about it. Also watch out for vibrations and wind. As you are using longish exposures you need to minimise any camera movement. You'll be surprised how much vibration you can get especially from HGV's. It's OK to have the trail lights showing a bit of movement, but stationary objects can look odd.
For your own safety a high vis jacket may be a good idea.
For your own safety a high vis jacket may be a good idea.
Lensflare
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Take a piece of cord/rope - tie your camera bag to the middle of your tripod and let the weight of the bag and contents act as an anchor for the tripod - helps prevent vibration in the tripod itself.
TIMING: you don't want to be doing this after dark - in the blue light period is when you want to go. This balances the light in the sky with your headlamps, so there is some colour in the sky, not black nothingness.
Count how long the cars take to travel through your viewfinder - this will give you a good estimate of the shutter speed you need. f-stop to balance it, and for every shot you take, take another at +1 stop. You may find you like the ones that are given a bit extra cooking time.
TIMING: you don't want to be doing this after dark - in the blue light period is when you want to go. This balances the light in the sky with your headlamps, so there is some colour in the sky, not black nothingness.
Count how long the cars take to travel through your viewfinder - this will give you a good estimate of the shutter speed you need. f-stop to balance it, and for every shot you take, take another at +1 stop. You may find you like the ones that are given a bit extra cooking time.
AndWhyNot
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If there's any ambient dampness or wet roads make sure the lens is facing away from the traffic or within a couple of shots your front element will be covered with gritty moisture.
When composing, set your camera as low or high as poss (beware of balance issues if high) *if* you want to avoid your red tail-light trails (which will be dimmer) being washed out by the white headlight trails.
When composing, set your camera as low or high as poss (beware of balance issues if high) *if* you want to avoid your red tail-light trails (which will be dimmer) being washed out by the white headlight trails.
Also unless you dont want to scare the hell out of the drivers thinking they've been caught by a gatso - don't use a flash. 
I say this as you can get some interesting effects with a long exposure, flash and rear curtain sync.
I say this as you can get some interesting effects with a long exposure, flash and rear curtain sync.
-RV-
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Also turn low light focusing flash assist OFF and use manual focusAlso unless you dont want to scare the hell out of the drivers thinking they've been caught by a gatso - don't use a flash.
csedgbeer
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Also unless you dont want to scare the hell out of the drivers thinking they've been caught by a gatso - don't use a flash.
I say this as you can get some interesting effects with a long exposure, flash and rear curtain sync.
been there done that, watched as people slowed down or stopped to look round!