Motorists have been left surprised by news that they do not always need to use their headlights when driving at night. Pointing a bright beam at the road in front of you - so you can see where you’re going, and to ensure other road users and pedestrians can see you coming - is one of the basics of road safety in the twilight hours.
But experts at Select Car Leasing have revealed that you don’t actually need to use your headlights in some surprising situations. Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: “This is one of those rules that people are surprised about when they find out the details.
“The law states that you are permitted to drive using only your sidelights at night if you are on a well-lit road that has a 30mph speed limit.
“That means if you are driving in a city centre with ample street lights late at night, you are technically doing nothing wrong.
“However, I would strongly advise all drivers to use their dipped headlamps in this situation!
“In fact, dipped headlights should be deployed in every scenario where there is any sort of reduced visibility, whether due to lack of daylight, poor weather conditions such as fog, or any other factors.”
New cars are now required by law to have DRLs - or daytime running lights - which are low wattage lamps that automatically illuminate to increase visibility.
However, experts have warned that they often don’t light up the rear of the vehicle, meaning they should not be relied upon in cases of heavy rain, fog and snow.
Mr Conway also revealed that while sidelights should not be used for driving at night, even in well-lit areas, they are crucial if you park after dusk on a main road.
He explained: “For any road with a speed limit above 30mph, you must leave your sidelights on while you are parked according to the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (1989).
“Another rule that many people are not aware of is that you must park in the direction of the traffic, on the left-hand side.
“The only occasion where you are allowed to park at night on the right is on a one-way street.”
The correct use of vehicle lights is vital to avoiding accidents and swerving trouble with the authorities.
Dipped headlights, which are angled downwards so as not to dazzle oncoming traffic, should be switched on when “visibility is seriously reduced", according to the Highway Code.
Full beams illuminate more of the what’s in front of you and are meant for unlit stretches of road.
Motorists should dip their beams when meeting oncoming traffic, which also includes cyclists and pedestrians.
Headlights can be ‘flashed’ by pulling the lighting stick either towards or away from you, depending on the make and model of vehicle.
Drivers often use this to warn other road users of something ahead, or say thank you for letting them out in traffic.
But Rule 110 of the Highway Code states: “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there.”
Doing this for any other purpose could land you with a fine of up to £1,000.
Mr Conway said: “All motorists should be fully aware of the rules for the various lights on their vehicles, as well as knowing how to switch them on and off, to ensure they keep our roads as safe as possible.”
