Important 2-step check could save drivers a £1,000 fine, expert claims

Industry insiders have urged Brit drivers to make a quick two-step check before pulling away in their cars this autumn, which could end up saving them a small fortune.

With the summer drawing to a close, ushering in shorter days and colder, wetter weather, road safety experts are warning UK motorists of the potential risks linked to headlight misuse. Poor visibility during the darker mornings and evenings, never mind the seasonal downpours, make driving conditions much more hazardous.

Failing to use or maintain lights correctly could see drivers slapped with enormous fines of up to £5,000. But fear not — Neil Hutchinson from JLR Essex has highlighted a couple of simple checks you can perform before setting off to ensure you stay safe and financially protected.

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The first step is an obvious but vital task — checking whether your lights are working. Taking a few seconds to confirm both headlights are fully functional can save drivers from dangerous situations and hefty fines.

Neil explained: "It's not just about how you use your headlights, but also about making sure they're working properly. Driving with only one headlight reduces your own visibility and makes it harder for other road users to see you."

His second recommendation involves indicators. Neil also advised a quick hazard-light test before driving off, saying: "Switching your hazards on will quickly show if your indicator bulbs aren't blinking properly, helping you avoid any safety issues on the road."

Alongside these checks, the expert warned of some common oversights in rainy or foggy weather, including over-reliance on Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). While they have helped improve safety over the past decade, Neil stressed they are no substitute for dipped headlights in poor conditions.

He explained: "Daytime running lights... are designed to make vehicles more visible during the day, not to replace dipped headlights in poor conditions. Many systems don't automatically switch on rear lights, which means drivers relying on DRLs alone can become almost invisible from behind in rain, fog, or at night."

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"In conditions where visibility is reduced, such as heavy rain, fog, or darkness, drivers should always switch on their dipped headlights. This not only improves forward vision but also means rear lights are illuminated, allowing following vehicles to see you clearly."

Neil also pointed out the importance of understanding different headlight options, saying: "Most vehicles come with three main headlight settings: side markers for fairly dim lighting, main beams for most conditions, and full beams for travelling in sparsely lit areas such as the countryside. Knowing when and how to use each one correctly is important to keep yourself and others safe.

"Main beams can be a huge help when driving on unlit roads, but they must only be used when there are no other vehicles ahead or approaching. Using them at the wrong time can dazzle other motorists, increasing the risk of an accident."

Legal consequences back up these warnings, with the expert noting: "According to The Highway Code, headlights must be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see more than 100 metres ahead. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000, so using the correct headlights isn't just about keeping safe, but also about avoiding unnecessary penalties."

He added: "Drivers should be aware that misusing main beams can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points. If this mistake leads to a crash, that figure can rise dramatically, with fines reaching up to £5,000."

For drivers heading into the darker months, these preventative checks could make the difference between a safe, uneventful journey and a fine running into thousands of pounds, or worse — running into another car.

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