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November 29, 2018

Head Lights Rules – Do You Know Them?

car_in_snowy_forest

The clocks have changed, and the dark evenings are drawing in; this means that for more of your journeys you will be driving in the dark. Do you know when you have to switch on your different lights when you are driving? Also, it could be a good moment to check that all the lights in your car are working properly, following the regulations and the rules about car lights.


Daytime

You may think that lights are not necessary during the daytime if so, you are wrong. Under the UE rules and since 2011, all new cars are required to have daytime lights. These lights automatically turn on when the motor starts and are turned off automatically when the headlights or sidelights are on.

Brake lights should light when you press the foot brake; the foot brake should not be held in stationary queues of traffic as these lights cause unnecessary glare for the drivers behind you.

Headlights and fog lights should also be used during the daytime when visibility is poor following this type of weather. In dull weather, the headlights should always be on but dipped.


Nighttime

During the night it is very important to have your lights on to ensure a clear view of the road ahead and for other people to see you. You should always use your headlights for 30 minutes before sunrise and during the night.

For example, when overtaking, you should always keep the headlights dipped until you are level with the vehicle and then you can change the beam if it is necessary. When a vehicle is overtaking you, you should slow down your speed, or if needed to stop and only continue if you can see the road ahead properly.

Following the law, you can use the sidelights at night if you drive under 30 mph in a good lighting area.


Fog Light

We already mentioned fog lights, but there is more information that you should know about them.

Some cars have one rear extra light which helps to make the vehicle more visible in the fog. Depending on the model of the car, some cars are also fitted with front fog lights. However, there isn’t any legal requirement regarding fog lights while you are driving in fog, but it is much safer if they are switched on.

The use of fog lights when the visibility is clear is also dangerous as the fog lights can easily dazzle other motorists. Furthermore, it is also illegal, you can face a fine of £50.00.


Brake Lights

Make sure that the brake lights of your vehicle are clean and in good working order. It is not only for safety reasons, but the Police can also prosecute with one of the following: a fine of £60.00 and three points on your licence, your car has taken off the road immediately or, if you are lucky, they will allow you 14 days to fix the fault and ask you to provide proof of the repair.


Hazard Lights

You have to use these lights when you want to let other drivers know that there is a warning on the road, they are not to be used as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking.