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RAC Recommends Toothpaste Trick to Restore Cloudy Headlights This Winter

The guidance arrives with a reminder of DVSA fog‑light limits, highlighting the risk of fines for misuse.

Overview

  • The RAC advises using gritty, baking‑soda toothpaste applied with a toothbrush until the paste discolours, then letting it dry before wiping off with warm water and a cloth.
  • Suggested low‑cost alternatives for improving lens clarity include sandpaper, baking soda, white wine vinegar, or cola.
  • Drivers unsure about DIY repairs are urged to use a garage, with costs varying by whether a bulb, the unit, or the lens needs restoration or replacement and by bulb type.
  • DVSA rules state fog lights should only be used when visibility is below 100 metres, with misuse carrying penalties of up to a £1,000 fine and three licence points.
  • Cited research reports about 60% of drivers use fog lights incorrectly and nearly half admit to improper full‑beam use, while the RAC flags headlight glare as a common night‑driving concern.