Headlight glares could cause ‘unsafe’ road conditions amid UK-wide call for urgent driving law changes
Headlight glare makes it harder for drivers to see on the road
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Drivers could face hefty fines for not being able to see clearly on the road as it gets darker outside, experts have warned, as the Government works to improve conditions.
Glaring headlights can affect all drivers, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable, and has sparked the new Labour Government to commit to reducing the impact on motorists.
The research comes at the same time as the days start getting longer and darker outside with more drivers turning on headlights earlier in the day.
The response comes after roads minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that independent research will begin to crack down on the impact glaring headlights have on drivers.
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Drivers can be fined £100 for driving with incorrect headlinesGETTYAnswering a Parliament question, Greenwood said: “The Government is in the process of commissioning independent research to better understand the root causes of headlamp glare and help identify potential countermeasures.”
Research has found that two in five (40 per cent) drivers don’t believe they could be fined for having a restricted view while travelling.
Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, explained that the low sunsets and “gleams off the dashboard could leave drivers dazzled making it harder to see clearly”.
He said: “It's important drivers take care behind the wheel and wear appropriate sunglasses to shield them from the sun and avoid distraction.
“Rule 93 of the Highway Code advises drivers to slow down or stop if they’re dazzled by bright sunlight. Drivers considered driving without due care risk being stopped by police and could even receive fines from £100 and three points on their licence.”
He added: “It’s important that drivers remain cautious of any obstructions to their vision that can be caused by the sun whilst getting around. Our winter checklist guide gives tips to ensure they’re able to stay safe on the road as the season changes.”
The move from the Government has been welcomed by Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com who offered advice to drivers to avoid getting impacted by the glare.
The comparison site detailed how nearly two in five (18 per cent) drivers struggle to see clearly when driving in the dark.
Jones said: “If you are struggling with bright lights when driving, the best thing to do is to slow down and drive carefully. But be careful, especially if there are others driving behind you.
“However, if it's the car behind you which is dazzling, adjusting your rear view mirror could help reduce glare.
“It also helps to keep your windscreens free from dirt as this often creates glare too. And if you wear glasses, lenses with an anti-reflective coating could make a difference.”
To help other drivers who struggle driving when it's dark, Jones suggested that motorists should adjust their headlights.
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DVSA/XEarlier this year, a petition calling for more research into glaring headlights prompted the Department for Transport to respond.
It stated that tighter tolerances for vehicle manufacturers are set to be introduced in September 2027.
Shockingly, the RAC revealed that 67 per cent of dazzled drivers are forced to “slow down considerably”, while 64 per cent warned that some headlights are too bright it could risk causing an accident.
Other points highlighted by the group include "higher" and larger vehicles such as SUVs, being more likely to dazzle other vehicles with six in 10 drivers stating they cause issues.
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