Motor Insurance

How to reduce headlight glare as drivers dazzled by LED car lights at night

If you've ever driven at night and struggled to see due to an oncoming vehicle's bright LED headlights you're not alone - here are some practical tips to keep safe when driving at night.

Almost all drivers - 89% - said they found at least some car headlights too bright when questioned by the RAC in 2024.

And there are many reasons for this - which have safety organisations campaigning for the Government to take action.

Of those who complained about headlight brightness to the RAC, 91% had been dazzled while driving, and 74% said this occurs regularly.

The Government has agreed to investigate, with Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, announcing this week she is looking at "potential countermeasures" to deal with the issue.

Ms Greenwood said: "Noting increased public concern about headlamp glare, government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes and develop potential countermeasures.

"This work is underway and due to deliver in summer 2025. It will include real-world assessment of glare on a broad range of road types and scenarios including country roads."

Why am I being dazzled on the road?

The main reasons are due to new cars being fitted with LED bulbs, an increase in SUVs on the road and drivers buying illegal aftermarket LED bulbs.

1. LED bulbs

There's been a significant shift towards using LED headlights in modern vehicles. These LEDs are much brighter and produce a more intense, focused beam compared to traditional halogen bulbs.

While this enhances visibility for the driver using them, it can create a blinding glare for oncoming traffic, making it difficult for other drivers to see clearly. This intense brightness is one of the primary reasons for the increase in complaints about dazzling headlights.

2. Aftermarket LED bulbs

Another contributing factor is aftermarket LED bulbs, which are those purchased separately from the car dealership and retrofitted.

This has been illegal since 2021 and it is considered a modification that can't be regulated.

LED lights are only legal if they are fitted by the manufacturer and pass an MOT. But many drivers are installing these bulbs themselves, often opting for cheaper options that can be dangerously bright, not properly aligned, or produce an improper beam pattern.

These aftermarket LEDs are not always regulated or installed correctly, leading to increased glare and reduced visibility for other road users.

3. SUVs

The growing number of SUVs on the roads is also playing a significant role in the issue. SUVs generally have higher-mounted headlights compared to smaller vehicles.

This means their beams are more likely to shine directly into the eyes of drivers in lower vehicles, causing increased glare and discomfort.

4. Incorrect alignment

Properly aligned headlights are crucial for ensuring the light beam is directed where it's needed, without dazzling other road users.

Misaligned headlights can cause the beams to point too high or scatter light in an uncontrolled manner, contributing to the glare problem.

Unfortunately, some drivers neglect to adjust their headlights correctly, either due to lack of knowledge or oversight.

If you're unsure how to do this properly, you might want to ask a mechanic.

Lights are often also tilted incorrectly. Headlight controls are not located in the same place on all cars but are usually found near the steering wheel. Some are just below the dashboard toward the driver's door.

How to avoid headlight glare

There are a few things drivers can do to reduce the impact of high glare car headlights.

1. Adjust rearview mirror

Many vehicles are equipped with a 'night' or 'anti-glare' setting on the rearview mirror. By tilting the mirror into this position, you can significantly decrease the glare from headlights behind you, making it easier to maintain a clear view of the road ahead. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in your comfort and safety while driving at night.

2. Headlight glare glasses

Another important consideration is eyewear. If you wear prescription glasses, investing in a pair with an anti-glare coating can help minimise reflections from bright lights.

This specialised coating reduces the amount of light that reflects off the surface of your lenses, providing a clearer, more comfortable view.

For all glasses wearers, ensure the lenses are clean and without smudges.

On the other hand, it’s advisable to avoid wearing tinted glasses while driving at night, as they can further reduce your visibility in already low-light conditions.

3. Clean windshield

Keeping your windshield clean is also crucial for reducing headlight glare.

Much like with glasses, a dirty or streaky windshield can amplify the glare from oncoming headlights, making it harder to see.

Regularly cleaning your windshield, both inside and out, can prevent this issue. Additionally, using high-quality windshield wiper blades ensures that your windshield stays clear even in adverse weather conditions. This helps maintain optimal visibility and reduces the risk of glare.

4. Look left

When driving at night and faced with blinding light from an oncoming car, it can be helpful to focus on the road markings or the left-hand edge of the road, rather than looking directly at the oncoming headlights.

This technique allows you to stay oriented and maintain your lane position without being blinded by the bright lights.

Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you can also reduce the intensity of their headlights in your field of vision, also minimising glare.

The College of Optomoetrists told the RAC: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/road-safety/headlight-glare/ "When presented with bright oncoming headlights, keep your eyes open and cast your eyes to look at the curb or side of the road. This will keep you safe and help minimise the effect of adaptive and discomfort glare."

What you can do to help other drivers

Even if you don't feel like dazzling headlights are a problem for you, you can still do your bit to protect others on the road.

1. Align your headlights

Ensuring your own headlights are properly aligned can reduce glares. Misaligned headlights can cause your beams to point too high or scatter light in an uncontrolled manner, increasing the risk of dazzling other road users.

Proper alignment helps direct the light where it’s needed most, improving visibility without causing unnecessary glare.

Lights are often also tilted incorrectly. If you have passengers in the back and a boot load of stuff, your car will naturally rise higher at the front. Some cars can adjust headlights automatically but if not you may wish to look at your car manual and tweak where your lights are pointing.

Headlight controls are not located in the same place on all cars but are usually found near the steering wheel. Some are just below the dashboard toward the driver's door.

2. Use your high beams correctly

While high beams are useful for enhancing visibility on dark, rural roads, they should be switched to low beams when there is oncoming traffic. This prevents blinding other drivers and helps create a safer driving environment for everyone.

The College of Optomoetrists told the RAC: "Be considerate when driving and dip your headlights when required.

"If you have automatically dimming headlamps, remember they don’t always pick up oncoming cars, cyclists and pedestrians, so know how to dip them manually."

3. Be aware

You could be dazzling people and not even realise.

If drivers are regularly flashing their lights at you there may be an issue, so check your lights and consider talking to a reputable mechanic or your dealership.

Remember, buying LED lights and retrofitting them is illegal in the UK. You can only have LED lights fitted by the car manufacturer and they need to pass an MOT.

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Helen Barnett

Helen is a journalist, editor and copywriter with 15 years' experience writing across print and digital publications. She previously edited the Daily Express website and has won awards as a reporter. Read more here.

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