You may be making a mistake without realising it
Drivers are being cautioned that they may be using their car lights incorrectly. The warning comes from motoring experts at The AA, who have alerted drivers that using the wrong type of light could lead to a breach of the Highway Code – and result in unexpected fines or points.
Full beam headlights, also known as main beam or high beam, are the brightest lights on your car – significantly more powerful than sidelights or dipped headlights. These lights are designed to light up a larger area of the road ahead and are angled to enhance visibility on unlit roads at night.
However, if used incorrectly, for example when there are other drivers ahead or approaching your vehicle, they can dazzle other road users. You may also find yourself in dangerous situations.
The AA warned: “Full beam headlights will help you see better than dipped beam on unlit roads. But you must remember to switch back to dipped lights every time you see a car coming in the opposite direction.
“You must also dip your lights if you see anyone in front of you travelling in the same direction. If you leave your main beam on, you’ll dazzle other drivers when they look in their rear-view or wing mirrors.”
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The Highway Code says states that you must not use any lights in a way which would cause dazzle or discomfort to other road users. Under Rule 113, it explained you must:
- ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise
- use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h), or 20mph (32km/h) in Wales, unless otherwise specified
- use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226).
Now, the experts have urged drivers to check that all their vehicle lights are functioning properly before setting off. It warns that driving with just one working headlight not only reduces visibility but could also result in a fine.
It asks people to “check all your car lights at least once a fortnight, remembering number plate lights and fog lights.” There’s a few ways you can check your lights are working such as asking a friend to help, checking reflections in a window or checking your front and rear lights by driving or reversing up close to a wall.
Remember, if you’re caught driving with a single working headlight, police can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of around £100, increasing up to £1,000 if it goes to court, Kwik Fit reveals. It adds that if drivers are “caught with an illegal blown bulb, police can also issue you with three penalty points on your licence.”
It’s a good idea to regularly check your car to make sure everything is in proper working order otherwise, you could face a hefty fine and even penalty points on your licence. Let us know in the comments if you’ll be carrying out more car checks from now on.