As darker evenings set in, the UK government is intensifying its review of headlight brightness amid rising concerns from motorists about being dazzled by oncoming vehicles. Officials are considering updates to headlight regulations and tougher action against the illegal sale of excessively powerful bulbs.
A survey by the RAC found that more than a quarter of drivers feel anxious about driving after dark due to bright headlights. The issue is expected to feature prominently in a forthcoming government road safety strategy, due before the end of the year. Following this, the UK is likely to propose changes to international lighting standards managed by the United Nations.
Independent research into the causes of headlight glare was commissioned over 18 months ago, with results expected in time for the new strategy. The plan will reportedly include commitments to further studies examining different car makes and designs to determine what specific features contribute to excessive glare.
Experts suggest several factors may be at play, including the widespread use of more intense LED (light-emitting diode) headlights and the surge in SUV ownership. The higher positioning of SUV headlights often directs beams into the eyes of drivers in smaller cars, and older motorists are particularly vulnerable, as their eyes take longer to recover after being dazzled.
While LED lights are praised for their efficiency, they can cause problems when retrofitted to vehicles not designed for them. Such installations may lead to poor light alignment, making glare worse for other road users. LED technology has otherwise proved environmentally beneficial, reducing energy use and cutting vehicle emissions by lowering fuel consumption for lighting.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We know headlight glare is frustrating for many drivers, especially as the evenings get darker. That’s why we commissioned independent research to better understand the causes and impact of glare, which will inform new measures in the upcoming road safety strategy.
Alongside this, DVSA has stepped up surveillance to intercept the sale of illegal retrofit headlamp bulbs for on-road use, and anyone caught could face a fine of up to £1,000.”
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, said: “Unfortunately, for a lot of drivers the annual onset of darker evenings coincides with another unwelcome arrival – that of overly bright headlights that they believe make driving more difficult due to dazzle and discomfort.
“While most of us have no choice other than to adapt to driving at night more often as the clocks go back, the fact headlight glare is the leading cause of nervousness underlines it’s a problem that needs tackling. At the same time, it’s important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead – so there’s a balance to be struck.”