Are bright headlights illegal?
Friday 19th April 2024
Being dazzled by another driver can be a distracting and distressing experience. While driving, you can see a flash of light coming from oncoming traffic, thus dazzling you on the road. This could cause your vision to be temporarily impaired, which could endanger you, your passengers, and other motorists.
Our article covers whether bright lights are legal on your car and how to avoid being dazzled on the road.
What is the legal brightness of headlights in the UK?
According to The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, all the lights on your car must have a British Standard mark (or E mark). If your car’s headlights are fitted with bulbs that dazzle other motorists, they may be too bright, or they may need adjusting if the beam isn’t properly aligned. Also, the law states the colour of your headlights must be yellow or white and be bright enough to see around 100 metres ahead of the road without dazzling other motorists.
Why are some cars’ headlights so bright?
Due to advancements in technology, such as the switch from traditional halogen headlights to high-intensity discharge (HID) or light-emitting diode (LED) headlights. These headlights are perceived as much brighter than halogen headlights. Brighter lighting is advantageous for the driver as any hazards on the road will be seen earlier and evasive action can be taken sooner. However, for other road users approaching the vehicle road safety will be impacted due to the brightness of the oncoming lights.
What happens if my car’s fog lights and headlights are too bright?
If your lights are too bright and are dazzling other road users, we recommend booking a service at your local Formula One Autocentres branch. We’ll examine the headlights and fog lights to identify and fix these issues so you can drive safely and avoid dazzling other drivers.
Can I use LED bulbs with my car’s halogen headlights?
No, you cannot replace halogen headlights with LED bulbs on your car. The technology between LED and halogen headlight units is not the same. For example, if you replace a halogen headlight with an LED bulb, the headlight is more likely to dazzle other road users. It means the LED bulbs in the halogen headlight casing on your car won’t illuminate the road, particularly when driving at night on unlit roads.
What are the advantages of using LED headlights?
Having LED headlights on your car comes with many advantages. Compared to traditional halogen headlights, LED bulbs are longer-lasting and use less power, putting less stress on your car’s electrical system.
Other benefits of using LED headlights on your car include:
- Improves headlight brightness when driving at night.
- LED headlights are easy to install.
- Creates a luxurious appearance to your car.
- You won’t need to replace your headlight bulbs as often.
What can I do to avoid being dazzled by another driver’s headlights?
If you find yourself being regularly dazzled by other drivers, there are things you can do, such as:
- Ensuring your windscreen is clean and clear.
- Adjust your car’s rear-view mirrors or use the ‘night setting’ feature, if available.
- Reduce your speed so your eyes have longer to adjust to the bright light.
- Consider wearing anti-glare glasses.
Knowing the legalities of your car’s headlights can ensure you are not dazzling other drivers on the road. Do the headlights on your vehicle need a clean? Discover how to clean your headlights in our how-to article. Book your next MOT at your nearest Formula One Autocentres branch today.
