Overview
- Government‑commissioned TRL research using more than 50 hours of night on‑road testing found that higher headlamp luminance correlates with more glare reported by oncoming drivers.
- Glare increased on uphill stretches and right‑hand bends, with tentative indications that taller vehicles such as SUVs contribute more; experts also flag misaligned beams as a common, fixable factor.
- An RAC survey of 1,850 drivers cited in the study found 33% have reduced or stopped night driving because of bright headlights, with a further 22% wanting to cut night trips but unable to do so.
- Ministers plan to use the study to inform the forthcoming Road Safety Strategy, and the Transport Minister has signalled mandatory automatic headlight levelling from September 2027.
- DVSA is stepping up action against illegal retrofit headlamp bulbs, with media citing maximum fines ranging from £1,000 to £2,500 depending on the outlet’s reporting.