As the days grow shorter, it is important that you check your lights to make sure they are all working. While you’re at it, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the rules on vehicle lights, to keep you safe and on the right side of the law.
The Law
The laws on lights when driving are fairly simple. You MUST: have functioning sidelights and rear registration plate lights between dusk and dawn; use headlights in the daytime if visibility is reduced; and use headlights at night, unless you are on a road with street lighting (usually 30mph zones).
You must NOT:
- use your vehicle lights in a way that could dazzle other drivers
- use your fog lights unless visibility is poor.
Further rules state that, to avoid dazzling other drivers, you should use dimmed headlights while driving at night in areas where there is traffic, and during the day when visibility is reduced.
Driving in the Daytime
Your vehicle lights aren’t just important at night, as the law states, if your visibility is reduced, you should put your headlights on, but switch them off, particularly fog lights, as soon as visibility improves again. Your brake lights should be functioning and used day and night. If you are in stationary traffic, you should remove your foot from the brake (and use the handbrake if necessary) in order to avoid dazzling drivers behind you.
Driving at Night
When it comes to driving, night time is defined as half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. When you are driving at night, it is important that you use your lights so that you can see sufficiently well, without impairing the vision or safety of other road users (including pedestrians, cyclists and horseriders). If you are on a deserted road, you can put your full beam lights on, but make sure that you dim them at the first sign of oncoming traffic. If you are dazzled, the law states that you should slow down and, if necessary, stop.
Light Failure Penalties
If the traffic police notice that there is anything wrong with your lights, they can pull you over. Depending on the light, circumstances, and the police officer, this could result in:
- A verbal warning.
- A Fixed Penalty Notice, which, depending on which lights are faulty, will earn you a fine and possibly points on your licence.
- A Roadside Prohibition Notice, which will give you a set number of days to get your fault(s) fixed before returning to have it inspected.
- An order to remove your car from the road immediately.
It is important that you check your vehicle lights regularly; headlights, side and brake lights. If you are unsure, keep an eye out for our blog: Your Guide To Changing Headlight Bulbs, or drop into your local garage. For more vehicle maintenance and safety information, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.