Drivers Warned Faulty Headlights Could Lead to Fines

Motorists are urged to ensure headlights are working correctly before driving or being hit with a fine. Experts have warned drivers to check correctly to avoid travelling with defective or broken lights.

According to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, vehicles must be maintained and roadworthy, and all lights must be clean and functional—this includes sidelights, rear sidelights, indicators, hazard warning lights, and headlights.

If found driving with a faulty headlight, motorists can be slapped with a fixed penalty notice fine of £60 with three penalty points on their licence.

A vehicle could be deemed unsafe and removed from the roads in extreme cases.

The police can also stop drivers and issue a vehicle defect rectification notice, giving them two weeks to repair the broken lights.

Drivers should carry out essential maintenance checks, such as replacing bulbs regularly and polishing lights, to ensure they are fully functioning.

Drivers should also know the dashboard warning symbol for damaged headlights and take the vehicle to a professional to have any issues checked.

Another maintenance tip is to avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning the lights to prevent damage to the plastic lens.

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said, “It’s crucial to ensure all the lights on your car are working correctly. Otherwise, you risk compromising the safety of yourself and other road users due to vision impairment.

“Even having your lights too dim can be classed as unsafe, risking being stopped by the police and issued with a penalty or fine.

“We are urging all drivers to carry out essential maintenance checks on their headlights to adhere to the standard of the law.

“Drivers should regularly check the lights for scratches and replace bulbs to ensure they’re bright enough to drive safely.

“The warning symbol for a fault is typically a headlight with an exclamation mark. If this appears on your dashboard, it’s important to take your vehicle to a professional to check any issues.”

Here Are Five Tips From LeaseCar.uk for Headlight Maintenance:

1. Replace Bulbs Regularly

Drivers should check the lifespan of their headlights, which is typically between 500 and 30,000 hours, depending on the bulb type. Changing the light is a quick job, either at home or in a garage.

2. Polishing

Fine-grit sandpaper or a restoration kit followed by a polishing compound will remove oxidation to restore and give a clear light projection and visibility.

3. Check for Damages

Check for cracks or scratches in the lights to ensure everything is working well. If the damages are significant, it’s important to get them checked by professionals.

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Using harsh chemicals can damage the plastic lens and reduce light dispersion, so stick with a mild cleaning product and soft materials when cleaning.

5. Dashboard Warning Light

The warning sign on the dashboard for damaged lights usually resembles a headlight with an exclamation mark. If this appears, it’s important to take the vehicle to the mechanic to have any issues checked.