With ministers being urged to address concerns over LED headlights, experts have highlighted three lesser-known headlight rules that drivers should be aware of to evade steep fines. Concerns have been raised as the government faces increasing pressure to delve into the repercussions of LED headlights following suggestions of their adverse effects on road safety.
National collision data reveals that blinding headlights were cited as a contributing component in 216 accidents in 2023, showing an increase from 211 incidents the previous year. Labour MP Graeme Downie has emphasised that certain motorists may be “less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others”, prompting motoring specialists to shed light on less familiar regulations that are crucial for drivers to abide by.
Such adherence is not only pivotal to ensure safety on the roads but also to sidestep hefty penalties and potential MOT setbacks.
Alan Thomas, CEO of Ripe Motorhome Insurance, imparts three vital headlight directives drivers must heed.
Incorrect use of hazard warning lights – fine of up to £1,000
Use of hazard warning lights incorrectly could result in a fine, he warns – per Rule 116 of the Highway Code, these lights should be engaged solely when stationary. Misusing them to thank another motorist or to signal to them about their full beams could be interpreted as driving without due care and lead to fines up to £1,000.
LED headlights – MOT failure
If you’re thinking of giving your car a bit of a facelift with LED headlights, take caution – there’s some tight regulations you need to stick to. It’s vital to make sure they’re installed properly and aligned just right, otherwise, you could fail your next MOT.
Furthermore, you should inform your insurance provider of any changes made to your vehicle, or run the risk of voiding your policy.
Forgetting headlights in certainconditions – fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine points
British weather can turn on the drop of a hat. Therefore, if you find yourself driving through fog, rain, or snow and visibility drops below 100 metres, switch those headlights on sharpish.
Rule 226 of the Highway Code states that not turning your lights on in these conditions could result in a hefty fine of £5,000 and as many as 9 points on your license for not keeping control of your vehicle.
Alan emphasises: “It can be easy to forget some of the essential rules we need to follow around the correct use of headlights or get into bad habits with improper use of full beam, hazard lights and more. The news around LED headlights should remind drivers that we all have a duty to share the roads with courtesy, to reduce harm to other drivers and to travel responsibly.”