Drivers unaware of car lights rule risk £1,000 fine after law change

Motoring experts are issuing urgent warnings to driversabout a dangerous - and potentially expensive - blunder involving vehicle lighting systems, as many remain unaware of how these features actually operate.

Since 2011, all fresh vehicles sold in the UK must by law feature 'daytime running lights', known as DRLs, which activate automatically once the engine starts. These energy-efficient bulbs are engineered to boost visibility and cut down on road collisions throughout daylight hours.

However, in numerous instances, the DRL mechanism does NOT automatically switch on rear illumination. Should you depend on DRLs during upcoming autumn journeys with limited visibility, soaked roads covered in spray, or throughout darkness rather than activating your dipped headlights - which do force rear lights to illuminate - you're courting disaster.

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In extreme circumstances, mistakenly depending on daytime running lights instead of proper headlights could result in a £1,000 penalty if pulled over by officers, reports Wales Online.

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, explains: "DRLs have been helping to improve road safety for more than a decade now." "But I'd urge motorists to understand precisely how they work and what job they're supposed to do.

"Here at Select, we've heard countless reports of people failing to illuminate their headlights and taillights while driving in poor visibility, and there's a fear motorists might mistakenly believe that their DRLs are sufficient in those sorts of conditions. They're not!

"The most important thing to remember is that many DRL systems don't automatically light the rear lights. If you want to be seen by the cars who are following you, be sure to click your headlights on.

According to the Highway Code, you must use headlights when visibility is 'seriously reduced' - either through light conditions, rain or fog - and generally when you can't see for more than 100 metres (328 feet).

"Failure to illuminate properly can lead to a £1,000 fine if spotted by the police. Taking proactive control of the different lights you use will increase your safety and reduce any risk on winter journeys."