Night Driving & Visibility

You should also keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to main beam if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users.

These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h), or 20mph (32km/h) in Wales, unless otherwise specified.

Invalid carriages... may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are: at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow.

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet).

In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again.

You should also use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen.

All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h).

Cars... may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are... in a recognised parking place or lay-by.

You MUST NOT use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.