Concerns over the growing brightness of vehicle headlights have prompted the UK government to review current lighting standards amid rising reports from drivers who say modern headlights are making night driving increasingly difficult.
The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed to the BBC that the issue will be addressed in its forthcoming Road Safety Strategy, following complaints that powerful LED lamps are “blinding” motorists on dark roads.
As evenings draw in and the clocks go back, many drivers say they are finding it harder to drive after dark.
The glare from newer LED headlights, brighter, whiter, and more focused than older halogen bulbs, is being blamed for making roads more hazardous, particularly for older drivers.
For some motorists, the dazzle is severe enough to make them avoid night-time journeys altogether.
Road safety consultant Rob Heard noted that while younger drivers can recover from glare almost instantly, older motorists may take up to nine seconds for their vision to return to normal. “In some cases, it’s safer to pull over until your eyes readjust,” he said.
A recent RAC survey found that more than a third of drivers feel anxious about driving at night, with three-quarters saying headlight glare has worsened in recent years.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said regulations have failed to keep pace with advances in lighting technology. “The current rules date back to 1989,” he explained. “We need a modern framework that protects drivers without compromising safety.”
OEM headlamp manufacturer, HELLA stresses that modern headlights, particularly LEDs, provide higher light outputs and more focused beams than traditional halogen lamps, making proper alignment more critical than ever.
“While brighter headlights improve road safety by increasing visibility, improper alignment, higher-mounted lamps on SUVs and crossovers, and the intensity of advanced lighting technologies can all contribute to driver discomfort and reduced confidence,” said Dave Clark, Lighting Product and Brand Manager at HELLA. “It’s essential to achieve the right balance between illumination and safety.”
Workshops have a key role to play in addressing headlight glare. Misalignment caused by suspension changes, vehicle load, or incorrect installation can significantly increase dazzle for other road users. HELLA recommends using OE-quality bulbs, replaced in pairs, to maintain even performance and reduce glare-related problems.
The company also highlights the growing adoption of adaptive front lighting systems, automatic headlamp dipping, and asymmetrical light distribution, which enhance visibility while reducing glare. “These systems perform best when properly calibrated, including ADAS adjustments where applicable,” added Dave.
A DfT spokesperson said: “We know headlight glare is frustrating for many drivers, especially as the nights draw in. We’re taking steps to understand the causes and identify practical solutions.”
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has also intensified its efforts to curb the sale of illegal aftermarket LED conversion kits. Retrofitting LED bulbs into halogen housings is prohibited, and an MOT fail.
Vehicle manufacturers argue that brighter lighting improves safety for drivers and pedestrians alike. Thomas Broberg, senior safety advisor at Volvo, said: “Headlights have become brighter so drivers can see more of the road ahead but avoiding glare is equally important. Poor headlight alignment and vehicle load can make a big difference.”
Many newer cars now feature adaptive headlights, which automatically adjust beam height and intensity depending on road conditions and oncoming traffic. However, optometry experts warn that automatic dimming systems can be slow to respond, particularly when cyclists or motorbikes are involved.
Why it Matters
With the darker nights and mainstream media coverage on headlight glare, garages are likely to see customer concerns about glare and headlight alignment.
