Drivers unaware of car lights rule risk £1,000 fine after law change
Motoring experts are issuing urgent warnings to drivers about a dangerous - and potentially expensive - blunder involving vehicle lighting systems, as many remain unaware of how these features actually operate.
Since 2011, all fresh vehicles sold in the UK must by law feature 'daytime running lights', known as DRLs, which activate automatically once the engine starts. These energy-efficient bulbs are engineered to boost visibility and cut down on road collisions throughout daylight hours.
However, in numerous instances, the DRL mechanism does NOT automatically switch on rear illumination. Should you depend on DRLs during upcoming autumn journeys with limited visibility, soaked roads covered in spray, or throughout darkness rather than activating your dipped headlights - which do force rear lights to illuminate - you're courting disaster.
In extreme circumstances, mistakenly depending on daytime running lights instead of proper headlights could result in a £1,000 penalty if pulled over by officers, reports Wales Online.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, explains: "DRLs have been helping to improve road safety for more than a decade now." "But I'd urge motorists to understand precisely how they work and what job they're supposed to do.
"Here at Select, we've heard countless reports of people failing to illuminate their headlights and taillights while driving in poor visibility, and there's a fear motorists might mistakenly believe that their DRLs are sufficient in those sorts of conditions. They're not!
"The most important thing to remember is that many DRL systems don't automatically light the rear lights. If you want to be seen by the cars who are following you, be sure to click your headlights on.
According to the Highway Code, you must use headlights when visibility is 'seriously reduced' - either through light conditions, rain or fog - and generally when you can't see for more than 100 metres (328 feet).
"Failure to illuminate properly can lead to a £1,000 fine if spotted by the police. Taking proactive control of the different lights you use will increase your safety and reduce any risk on winter journeys."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Western Telegraph
11 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Car expert warns of £5,000 fine for innocent driving habit
Many drivers find themselves hanging their arm out of a car's open window while on the move, especially in the warmer months of the year. But motoring experts are now warning that the seemingly harmless act could see a driver accused of 'not being in proper control of the vehicle' or even 'careless driving'. Is it illegal to drive your car with your arm hanging out the window? Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, has revealed a fine could reach up to £5,000 if contested in court, while drivers could also be issued a fine of up to nine points. In the most serious cases, there's also the potential for a driving disqualification. Graham explains: 'Resting an arm out of the window while driving might seem like an innocent act, but it's one that motorists should avoid. 'Rule 160 of the Highway Code says you must 'drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times'. 'If you're resting an arm outside the vehicle with only one hand on the wheel, the police can argue that you're not in full control, especially if you need to react quickly. 10 Obscure driving laws you may not know 'The law would take an extremely dim view of the habit if you're seen to be moving erratically in your lane. It can also be perceived as a safety hazard for other road users, including cyclists, horse riders, and pedestrians.' The offence of not being in proper control of a vehicle falls under the Road Traffic Act 1988. It covers a multitude of potential actions, including drinking or eating at the wheel, smoking or vaping while driving, or being distracted by your car's infotainment system. It typically attracts a £100 fine and three penalty points, with more serious cases going to court and seeing larger fines. UK speed limits explained Meanwhile, the offence of careless driving is defined under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and is committed when the defendant's driving 'falls below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver'. Similar to the offence of 'not being in proper control of a vehicle', careless driving typically attracts a £100 fine and three points, with more serious cases involving an accident potentially resulting in a court appearance, a £5,000 fine, and even driving disqualification. Graham continues: 'Doing anything that impedes your ability to control a car safely could see you being stopped by the police. That includes other 'innocent' gestures like turning to talk to passengers, leaning down to grab something from the glove box, or even turning around to place an item on the back seat.' Did you know the consequences of driving while hanging your arm out of your car window? (Image: Getty Images) Can you drive a car with a broken arm in the UK? You must consult your doctor to check if you can drive with a broken arm (or any broken bone for that matter), and if not, you will want to know how long you are unable to drive for. Recommended reading: This is because states you must tell DVLA if you'll be unable to drive for more than three months because of a broken limb. It shares: 'You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. "You may be prosecuted if you're involved in an accident as a result.' If your condition will affect your driving, you must fill out form G1 and send it to the DVLA.
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Drivers must adhere to key nighttime parking rule - or risk 'fine up to £1,000'
Albeit a lesser-known rule, it's put in place to avoid serious mishaps and road accidents. Parking at pedestrian crossings, taxi ranks and prohibited double yellow lines are all big no-nos that most drivers are aware of. But there's a lesser-known nighttime parking rule that might have slipped under your radar. Believe it or not, this specifically regards leaving your car facing oncoming traffic during twilight hours. Although it may seem like a minor detail, it actually breaches Rule 248 in the Highway Code, and drivers who do not comply could face a hefty fine. Official guidance from Ask the Police delves into this rule a little further, explaining that it only applies if your vehicle is not parked in a recognised space. "You must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space," its advice reads. "All vehicles must display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h)." In a similar vein, car leasing experts at Flexed also add: "Motorists who park the wrong way on a road could be risking a fine of up to £1,000 without really knowing that they've broken the rule. "According to the Highway Code, drivers must park the same way as the flow of traffic at night if a marked parking space is not being used." While Rule 248 does not explain what a 'recognised parking space' is, specialists suggest that it generally refers to marked bays. So, parking the 'wrong way' on a yellow line outside controlled hours or on a road with no markings could result in a fine. Albeit a lesser-known rule, it's put in place to avoid serious mishaps and road accidents. Josh The Driver Instructor, which offers online driving test materials, also adds: "Drivers are required to park in the same direction as the flow of traffic if a marked parking space is not being used at night. "There is however a problem with this rule in that it is not well known by UK motorists. In accordance with the Highway Code, the purpose of this rule is to prevent drivers from parking against the traffic on unlit roads, since this could result in serious accidents, which could have serious consequences." Besides parking errors, there are numerous other overlooked driving rules that motorists should be aware of too. Specialists at previously told the Liverpool Echo that significant windscreen smears are actually against the 1986 Road Vehicles Regulations. This is listed under annex six of the rulebook, which reads: "Take special care that lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers, washers and any audible warning systems are all working. "Also lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear... [and] windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision." Further advice from the RAC adds: "The Highway Code states that drivers should have a full view of the road ahead and glass should be maintained in a good condition. "A cracked windscreen can obscure driver view - if a motorist is stopped, it could result in a fixed penalty of three points on their licence and a fine. If you're driving with a cracked windscreen and you have an accident, you could be charged with a more serious driving offence. The accident could be your responsibility because you were driving with a damaged windscreen." Drivers who lack a clear view of the traffic or road ahead may reportedly face a £1,000 fine, three penalty points, and a discretionary disqualification. Those driving goods and commercial vehicles, such as bus and coach drivers, with obstructed windscreen views could face an even steeper fine of £2,500.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Drivers told to keep important item in glove box or risk £5,000 fine
Drivers are being warned that failing to keep the item in their car could result in points on their licence and fines of up to £5,000 Motorists are being cautioned that failing to keep the correct eyewear in their vehicle could result in points on their licence and fines up to £5,000. They are being urged to always have a pair of decent sunglasses in the glove box. The Highway Code, under rule 237, mandates road users to take precautions during sunny periods to avoid getting caught out. If you neglect to do so and are found driving carelessly, you could be hit with an immediate £100 fine and three points on your licence. Challenging this in court could lead to a total fine of up to £5,000 and a driving ban. Bearing this in mind, driving experts at have issued a warning to all UK drivers to ensure their sunglasses meet legal standards for dealing with bright sunlight. All sunglasses sold in the UK must be marked and labelled with a category number, which can help drivers determine if they're safe for use while driving. Sunglasses are ranked from zero to four, indicating their strength and the time of day they can be safely worn, , reports Lancs Live. Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of explained: "Carrying a spare pair of legal sunglasses in your glove box is essential during these brighter months – especially in the UK when we don't know when the sun will appear. Wearing the right pair of sunglasses will help keep yourself and other road users safe this summer - inappropriate eyewear could put you at risk of fines, penalty points or worse. "Sunglasses are labelled in four categories to show if they're suitable for road use. The average pair of sunnies are 'category two' and are therefore appropriate for driving. "However, darker sunglasses in 'category four', any small fashion glasses, yellow tinted glasses or a pair with large side arms can be deemed too dangerous to drive in. Any driver wearing inappropriate sunglasses could be subject to a dangerous driving charge - which potentially comes with hefty fines, penalty points and even prison time. "If you are dazzled by the sunlight and it's becoming too bright and dangerous to drive, make sure to slow down or pull over until it is safe to continue and don't take the risk. "It's your responsibility to make sure your vision isn't compromised, if you don't protect your eyes properly from the sun and you have an accident, you could invalidate your car insurance." Rule 237 of the Highway Code reads: "If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop."
