The Driver and Automobile Requirements Company (DVSA) has given a reminder to drivers
DVSA reveal technique for ‘serving to you keep secure on the roads’
Motorists have been issued with a blunt “no excuses” warning over a typical mistake that would go away them driving illegally at night time – and probably endangering others.
The Driver and Automobile Requirements Company (DVSA) has instructed drivers in no unsure phrases: “PUT YOUR LIGHTS ON AT NIGHT!”. In a strongly worded message on X, officers warned that many motorists are counting on daytime operating lights – which may give a false sense of safety – as a substitute of switching on correct headlights.
Crucially, whereas these entrance lights could seem shiny sufficient, they don’t illuminate the rear of the car, which means drivers will be nearly invisible from behind in darkness.
What the legislation really says
Underneath Rule 113 of the Freeway Code, motorists face clear authorized necessities when driving after darkish.
The Driver and Automobile Requirements Company (DVSA) has given a reminder to drivers (Picture: Getty) Get motoring information and recommendation plus chosen gives and competitions Subscribe Invalid electronic mail
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Drivers should guarantee sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sundown and dawn, and generally should additionally use headlights at night time.
The foundations outline night time as between half an hour after sundown and half an hour earlier than dawn – a element many drivers overlook. Headlights are additionally obligatory when visibility is significantly lowered, resembling in heavy rain, fog or snow.
The DVSA warning highlights a rising concern with newer autos, the place computerized lighting programs and shiny dashboard shows can mislead drivers into pondering their lights are totally on.
In actuality, solely daytime operating lights could also be lively – leaving the rear of the automobile unlit.
That creates a critical danger for different highway customers, significantly on unlit roads or motorways, the place autos approaching from behind could not see a automobile till it’s too late.
PUT YOUR LIGHTS ON AT NIGHT! Daytime operating lights are too shiny and don’t illuminate the again of your automobile. ??????
No excuses. Learn Rule 113 of the Freeway Code ?????? https://t.co/hsHKXjEnBq pic.twitter.com/fuWFrmqtmY
— Driver & Automobile Requirements Company (@DVSAgovuk) April 22, 2026
Fog lights and glare dangers
The Freeway Code additionally units strict limits on how lights needs to be used. Drivers should not use lights in a method that dazzles others, together with pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Fog lights, particularly, are often misused. These should solely be used when visibility is significantly lowered – and switched off as quickly as circumstances enhance.
Motorists caught in site visitors are additionally suggested to take their foot off the brake as soon as autos behind have stopped, to keep away from pointless glare.
‘No excuses’
The DVSA’s message is obvious: drivers can’t depend on know-how alone. With lighting guidelines backed by legislation, failing to make use of correct lights at night time is not only careless – it may go away motorists on the incorrect facet of the laws.
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