Hi,
Can anyone tell me what the law/regulations are regarding swittching on headlights?
Its been cloudy last two days or so and at times visibilty has been poor (ie diffcult to see other road users)
is there a specific time when its compulsory to have lights on?
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In the late sixties I was pulled by some (very) plainclothes plod in Park Lane for having headlights on at night. In those days if there was decent street lighting most people drove on sidelights, although the safety advantages of dipped headlights were already known.
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There are published 'Lighting Up' times ( no not smoking materials!) and these coincide with sunset where ever you are. For instance today, sunset in London is 20.47 and Lighting up time is also 20.47. In Manchester the times are both 21.04 today. I guess that this means, in law, you have to have some lights on after that time. Additionally there is some catch all legal phrase along the lines of "Lights must be switchd on at any time when the visibity is reduced by -- Blah Blah Blah" I can't quote it but must being written down somewhere!
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Road Vehicle Lighting Regs 1989 Reg 25
no person shall use, or cause or permit to be used, on a road a vehicle which is fitted with obligatory dipped-beam headlamps unless every such lamp is kept lit-
(a) during the hours of darkness, except on a road which is a restricted road for the purposes of section 81 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 by virtue of a system of street lighting when it is lit; and
(b) in seriously reduced visibility. (This is not defined down to yards/metres and would be a question of fact for the Magistrates.)
dvd
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Having moved on to an S-Type, I decided to try the automatic headlight setting. They come on if I go along a road with trees growing overhead, even in full sunlight - they are a tad too sensitive for me.
V
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Lud, That wasn't in the black out was it. Sorry I just could not resist that one. Regards Peter
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Lud, That wasn't in the black out was it. Sorry I just could not resist that one. Regards Peter
I do remember that, just, Peter, but may I point out that you young people today have a very vague sense of history? You're two decades astray if the WW2 blackout is the one you mean.
I blame the national curriculum.
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I agree. Interestingly they are reluctant to come on when the rain gets heavy enough for everyone else to be putting theirs on.
My previous car had a (dealer alterable) sensitivity control for the autolights - the manual states it's not alterable in the S-type.
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"(b) in seriously reduced visibility. (This is not defined down to yards/metres and would be a question of fact for the Magistrates.)"
- The current highway code says 100 metres for daytime poor visibility/dipped headlamps.
www.highwaycode.gov.uk/h.htm
93: You MUST
* use headlights at night, except on restricted roads (those with street lights not more than 185 metres (600 feet) apart and which are generally subject to a speed limit of 30 mph)
* use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 201).
* ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit at night.
Laws RVLR regs 24 & 25 & RV(R&L)R reg 19
94: You MUST NOT
* use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users
* use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users.
Law RVLR reg 27
95: 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
* 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 traffic
* slow down, and if necessary stop, if you a
201: You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves (see Rule 211).
Law RVLR regs 25 & 27
214: Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop on the road side
* stop as close as you can to the side
* do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge, remember, they may need more room to get in or out
* you MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights
* you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle
* you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door
* it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb
* lock your vehicle.
Laws CSDPA sect 21, CUR reg 98,105 & 107, RVLR reg 27 & RTA 1988 sect 42
MOTORCYCLE ONLY
69: Daylight riding. Make yourself as visible as possible from the side as well as the front and rear. You could wear a white or brightly coloured helmet. Wear fluorescent clothing or strips. Dipped headlights, even in good daylight, may also make you more conspicuous.
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Ill just leave the 206s auto headlights & wipers to sort them selves out.
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is that before or after your next comm update?
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Nothing wrong with the COMM 2000 on mine, Its still the original one ( even the Peugeot main dealer cant belive that! )
Anyway its got another 31 months of warranty left, Might be needing a new BSI unit though, Goes in saturday morning, I smell another warranty claim.
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I think you'll find that 'hours of darkness' means (as far as the Road Traffic Act goes) half an hour before the published time of sunset (as described above) and half an hour after the published time of sunrise. This means that twilight is also covered.
I think it is still the case that you can drive around in a city (i.e. within a street lamp lit area and 30mph limit) on your side lights, although i wouldn't want to do it. (Don't quote me on this one, cos I don't know whether it's changed)
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