Car sidelights: what are the driving rules and regs?

Monday, November 22nd, 2010
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When we hear the term ‘sidelights’, most drivers will automatically think of the small / dim lights on the front of the vehicle.

Photo by madmarv00

However, this term also includes the rear number plate light.

In some cars, these lights come on automatically when the engine is switched on.

It is true to say that sidelights are of limited use when compared with headlights, particularly in winter weather conditions.  However, there are certain times where their use is vitally important.  We’ll cover this in our fifth winter driving blog post:

Sunset and Sunrise

Sidelights must be switched on between sunset and sunrise even in brightly lit areas as they will help other road users to see your vehicle.

If you have a dark coloured car, you may consider switching on these lights earlier.

Parking

Photo by Keoki Seu

Sidelights must be switched on when your car is parked on a road (or a lay-by on a road) where the speed limit is greater than 30mph.  This will make it easier for other road users, particularly motor vehicles, to see you.

They must also be switched on if your vehicle, for unavoidable reasons, is parked on any road in fog.

In summary; although sidelights do not provide enough light for you to effectively plan your drive at night, they can, when used correctly, provide valuable information to other road users, thus reducing the risk of you and your vehicle being involved in a road traffic incident.

Next week we’ll look at driving in snow and ice to prepare you for the impending colder weather!

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Full beam headlights – our guide to considerate driving

Monday, November 15th, 2010
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With winter fast approaching, most drivers will, at some point, drive during the hours of darkness.  When driving at night, your vision is restricted and you cannot see a far as you can in daylight; therefore less information is available to you.

As a result, your vehicle’s headlights are the most important source of information for both you and other road users.  They tell other drivers your movements, so it is important that you use them with care and consideration.

Under normal circumstances, when driving on lit roads, you should use dipped headlights.  However, to enable you to see as far ahead as possible, and better predict the road and traffic conditions on unlit roads, you should normally use main (full) beam.

With this in mind, here’s our helpful guide to using main beam; the fourth blog post in our winter driving series.

Photo by tibchris

Meeting oncoming traffic
When meeting other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, you should ‘dip’ your headlights in good time, although not too early, to avoid dazzling them.  It is advisable to check the left hand verge before you dip your headlights to identify any dangers e.g. a pedestrian that you need to be aware of.

Following another vehicle / overtaking
When following another vehicle, you should dip your headlights and allow sufficient gap so that your lights do not dazzle the driver in front.  If you are overtaking another vehicle, move out early with your headlights dipped.  When you are alongside the other vehicle, return your lights to main beam.  If you are being overtaken, you should dip your lights as soon as the overtaking vehicle passes you and keep them dipped until they can be raised again without dazzling the other driver.

On a bend
When driving on left hand bends, you should dip your headlights earlier.  This is because your lights will ‘cut across’ anyone coming towards you.  On right hand bends, this is less likely to happen so you won’t need to dip your headlights quite so soon.

Photo by SlinkyDragon

Dazzle
Any driver can make a mistake.  If an oncoming vehicle dazzles you and your visibility is greatly reduced, look to the left hand verge.  This enables you to keep your course.  However, as you may not be able to see the road ahead, it is advisable to slow down or even stop if necessary.

Main (full) beam provides drivers with improved vision on unlit roads.

However, you should ensure that you are always able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear, or within the range of your headlights.

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Car headlights – when to use and when not to use

Monday, November 8th, 2010
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Do you know when you should be using your car headlights and the rules for usage and best practice?

Photo by Swamibu

Read our guide on headlights, which forms the third part of our winter driving series.

Headlights help you to see and be seen by others and must be used when visibility is seriously reduced.

They need to be checked regularly and kept clean or they will be less effective.

Key tips for headlight usage:

•    At night or during the day with poor visibility
Use the main beam on unlit roads as this enables you to see the greatest distance, unless you are following another vehicle or meeting oncoming traffic.  In these cases, dip your lights to avoid dazzling other road users.  Keep headlights dipped in built up areas.

•    In fog
Don’t use the main beam headlights in fog as the fog will reflect the light back and could dazzle you.  Use dipped headlights instead, along with fog lights.  These will be seen from a greater distance than sidelights.

•    In heavy rain or snow
Poor weather conditions can drastically reduce your visibility, so use headlights to make your presence clear to other roads users.

When driving, avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights as this can cause disorientation; if an oncoming vehicle leaves its main beam on, don’t retaliate by leaving yours on.

Photo by frozenchipmunk

Headlights on a left-hand bend need to be dipped earlier as they will cut across the vision of anyone coming towards you.

Remember that extra weight at the rear of the vehicle could raise the angle of the headlight beam and dazzle other road users.  In many modern vehicles you can adjust this.

Switch off headlights when parked or they can confuse and dazzle other road users.

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