Almost UK drivers will be familiar with the decisions that need to be made when it comes to using headlights at night. We need to be able to see – but full beam lights are a hindrance for oncoming drivers.
It can be difficult at times – especially when driving in very dark areas. But UK law and the Highway Code have both marked out in black and white what the rules are (in theory).
And not just that. The risk that breaking them could pose.
Rules over headlight use at night when driving in UK
While there are many situations where drivers need to use the headlights on their vehicles, including at night and when visibility is severely restricted by weather conditions, it’s important to keep in mind that they can also create a hazard for other road users. Rules surrounding the use of headlights are strictly laid out in law through the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989.
Section 27 of this regulation states that no road vehicle is allowed to use its lights, including hazard warning lights, to “dazzle or discomfort” other road users. It also warns against using lights in conditions where visibility is not significantly reduced.
This is also highlighted in rule 114 of the Highway Code which states: “You must not use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.” Drivers are also advised against using “front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced”.
Fines for dazzling other drivers
If you are caught by police dazzling other drivers, they may charge you with the offence of driving without due care and attention (otherwise known as careless driving). Fines for this are issued when police believe that you’re driving does not meet the minimum standard expected of a road user.
Generally, police will issue a £100 on-the-spot fine as well as three penalty points for the offence. However, in some instances, your case could go to court, where you face more severe penalties.
If you go to court for careless driving, you face a maximum penalty of up to £5,000 and nine points on your licence. Furthermore, a judge could decide to disqualify you from driving which will significantly increase your car insurance premiums for the near-future.
How to avoid dazzling other drivers
To avoid dazzling other drivers, you should ensure that your headlights are aligned properly and are clean. If you are using full beam lights at night or in extreme weather conditions, ensure that you turn them off when facing another driver and only use dipped headlights.
Furthermore, when parking in a queue of traffic at night, you should pull up the handbrake and let go of the footbrake. This will turn off your brake lights, preventing any drivers behind you being dazzled. Similarly, the Highway Code states that motorists should “switch them [lights] off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users.”
