Driving at night

The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone.

Rule 113

You MUST

• ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise when driving at night.
• use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified by road signs.
• use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226).

Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.

Laws RVLR regs 3, 24 & 25 (In Scotland – RTRA sect 82 (as amended by NRSWA, para 59 of sched 8))

Rule 114

You MUST NOT

• use any lights on your car in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horseriders
• use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users (see Rule 226).

In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the foot brake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again.

Law RVLR reg 27

Rule 115

You should also

• • use dipped headlights on your car or dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen
  • keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to the main beam if necessary unless this would dazzle oncoming road users
  • slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights.