What is the UK government doing to address the issue of dazzling headlights?

The UK government is introducing new regulations to tackle the problem of "dazzling" headlights, including failing vehicles with improper headlights in the MOT test and fining sellers of illegal bulbs up to £1,000.

How widespread is the problem of dazzling headlights in the UK?

According to a recent RAC survey, over a quarter of UK drivers feel anxious about driving at night due to intense headlights, and 85% of motorists believe the problem is getting worse.

What are the main causes of dazzling headlights on UK roads?

The issue is primarily attributed to the increasing popularity of LED headlights, which are significantly brighter than traditional halogen bulbs, as well as the rise in taller vehicles like SUVs that can direct the light beam straight into the eyes of drivers in smaller cars.

Home / Technology / UK Tackles Dazzling Headlight Menace with Tough New Regulations

UK Tackles Dazzling Headlight Menace with Tough New Regulations

4 Nov

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Summary

Over a quarter of UK drivers feel anxious driving at night due to intense headlights
Vehicles with improper headlights will fail MOT, sellers of illegal bulbs face £1,000 fines
85% of motorists believe the problem of dazzling headlights is getting worse

UK Tackles Dazzling Headlight Menace with Tough New Regulations

As of November 4th, 2025, the UK government is taking significant steps to address the growing issue of "dazzling" headlights on the country's roads. A recent survey by the RAC revealed that over a quarter of drivers in the UK admit to feeling anxious about driving in the dark due to the intensity of oncoming headlights.

The problem is largely attributed to the increasing popularity of LED (light-emitting diode) headlights, which are significantly brighter than traditional halogen bulbs. Additionally, the rise in taller vehicles like SUVs has exacerbated the issue, as their headlights can directly shine into the eyes of drivers in smaller cars.

To tackle this problem, the government has announced that vehicles fitted with inappropriate headlight bulbs will fail the MOT test, and vendors selling illegal bulbs could face fines of up to £1,000. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport (DfT) stated that the government is committed to addressing this issue and will be introducing new measures in an upcoming road safety strategy.

The DfT's records show that over the past decade, "dazzling headlights" have been identified as a contributing factor in a significant number of road accidents, with 2013 being the worst year on record with 369 collisions. However, the numbers have since declined, reaching a low of 196 incidents in 2020, likely influenced by the COVID-19 restrictions.

Despite this, the problem remains a major concern for UK drivers, with an earlier RAC survey finding that 85% of motorists believe the issue of dazzling headlights is getting worse. The survey also revealed that 89% of drivers think at least some car headlights are "too bright," with 28% believing "most are."

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.