MCN investigation | Car headlights getting brighter and LED upgrades are technically illegal

Nearly 90% of MCN readers believe headlights are getting too bright, with complaints of night time dazzling now also being discussed by major motoring organisations and government departments. 

In a survey this week on our #ride5000miles Facebook group, 86% of respondents said they agreed that modern vehicle lights are getting too bright – with some also pointing to poor adjustment, and inefficient auto-dip systems as an issue once the sun goes down. 

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The danger has also come to the attention of motoring organisations including the RAC. “Our figures suggest drivers are more concerned than ever about headlight glare, with a huge proportion wanting to see something done about it,” RAC representative Rod Dennis told us.

He continued: “We urgently need the Government to take a closer look at the issue, ideally by commissioning an independent study to understand what’s causing an increase in reports of dazzling and, most importantly, what can be done to keep drivers safe.”

Headlight bulb quick facts

• The United Nations set out laws on how bright bulbs can be
• Modern vehicles use HID or LED headlamps which meet European type approval regulations. The UK cannot refuse to register a vehicle with current European type approval
• UK MoT rules surrounding headlight aim changed in 2016, with further emphasis on alignment
• Dipped and main beam bulbs are only legal if fitted with approval markings, or a British Standard mark
• There are currently no legal standards for aftermarket LED upgrades, meaning they are technically illegal to use

The RAC surveyed 2000 drivers in late 2023, with 89% saying they think at least some headlights on cars are too bright. Worse still, 68% said it takes them between one and five seconds to see clearly again after being dazzled. 

“The numbers of reported road casualties where headlight glare was listed as a contributing factor might be small when compared to something like speeding, but that only tells part of the story,” Dennis continued. “Is it right we have such a high proportion of drivers who feel unsafe when they’re driving at night, with some having given up night-time trips altogether?”

Looking at the numbers, Government data shows there have been an average of 280 collisions per year since 2013 where dazzling headlights were cited as a contributing factor. Six accidents per year also included fatalities. 

Back in November 2023, the RAC submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which showed that an average of 1.6million Class 4 vehicles (including cars up to eight seats) have failed an MoT as a result of poor headlight aim every year since 2019. 

Older motorists at risk

Alongside poor alignment, some have also pointed towards eye health as a contributing factor – with some suggesting medical experts should be consulted further on the strength of bulbs. 

IAM Road Smart’s Chief Examiner, Richard Gladman told MCN: “It’s a strange one, isn’t it. For years we were complaining that our headlights weren’t good enough and as soon as they get that little bit better, we complain that they dazzle us. And it’s true, they do!

“It’s a problem we need to have a joined-up approach on. The light’s been type approved, but we need the medical aspect looked at as well,” he continued. “We do have an aging population and with age comes cataracts and, from personal experience, you don’t realise how bad your vision is getting.”

This was further supported by Mike Bowen, Director of Knowledge and Research at the College of Optometrists, who said: “Older drivers are likely to be disproportionately affected by headlight glare, so may be more likely to experience difficulties or to decide not to drive at night.

“We urge the Government to commission more technical and clinical research to have a better understanding of this issue and what should be done to ease the effects of dazzling headlights.”

Working group set up

The IAM’s Richard Gladman went on to confirm that the Government have set up a headlight glare working group, with the Department for Transport (DfT) consulting with organisations including the IAM.

As a rider himself, he further believes motorcycles can also cause problems, adding: “We all know sometimes on a bike, where you hit an uneven road surface, your main beam can start almost bouncing down the road, and that can certainly cause problems.”

Cyclists in the spotlight

But it’s not just powered vehicles noted as causing a problem. Back in May 2023, the issue of headlight glare was debated within the House of Lords, with Labour’s Lord Berkeley saying: “If the Government intend to bring in some regulations on glare, could they be extended to the glare from cycle headlights? 

“Some are very bright and dazzle you at night. In this House many noble Lords talk about cycles with no lights, which is just as dangerous, but perhaps we could just look at the lights some cyclists use and check they conform.”

Have your say: Email us and let us know what you think about car headlights