What did the RAC find?
The RAC surveyed 1,208 regular UK drivers in October 2026, weighted to represent UK motorists by age, gender, social group and region. It published the results on 23 October.
Among drivers who are affected by glare:
- 63% find it hard to see the flashing indicators of some oncoming vehicles
- 50% say bright headlights make other hazards harder to spot
- 49% struggle to see road signs and markings
- 47% find it difficult to judge where oncoming vehicles are
- 43% cannot easily judge other vehicles' speed and distance
- 35% are temporarily blinded
The effects reach beyond driving. Among people already driving less at night, 28% see friends less and 21% feel much more isolated, and 6% have cancelled medical appointments. More than half (57%) say they are dazzled as pedestrians or wheelchair users.
What is the government doing?
A government-commissioned study, published in late 2025, confirmed that some brighter modern headlights are more likely to cause glare. Further research was promised in the Road Safety Strategy in January 2026, and the RAC says it should start soon. International work on lighting rules for future vehicles is also under way.
What to do if you are dazzled
- Slow down, and stop if you need to. The Highway Code (rule 115) says to do this if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights.
- Keep the windscreen clean inside and out. Dirt and smears scatter light and make glare worse.
- Have your eyes tested regularly. The College of Optometrists advises keeping glasses clean and prescriptions up to date, and seeing an optometrist about new or worsening problems with glare.
Make sure your own lights are not the problem
The Highway Code (rule 114) says you must not use lights in a way that dazzles other road users. Three checks:
- Headlight aim. At the MOT, a headlamp aimed outside the limits is a major defect, which means a fail. If you think yours point too high, ask a garage to check and adjust them.
- Headlight levelling. Many cars have a dial to lower the beams when the car is loaded. Check your handbook for the right setting, and set it back when the car is empty.
- Replacement bulbs. Since 14 October, approved LED replacement bulbs can pass the MOT in halogen headlamps, but only with the right approval sticker. Read what the LED bulb rule means.
You can see whether a car has failed on headlamp aim before with our free MOT history check. This weekend we have also covered the rise in rush-hour crashes after the clocks change and 7 checks before driving in the dark.
Questions drivers ask
How many drivers are affected by headlight glare?
In an RAC survey of 1,208 UK drivers in October 2026, 83% said they were concerned about the impact of headlight glare on their driving.
What should I do if I am dazzled by headlights?
The Highway Code says to slow down, and stop if necessary, if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights.
Can badly aimed headlights fail the MOT?
Yes. A headlamp aimed outside the limits is a major defect, which is an MOT fail.
Sources
- RAC: Headlight glare leaves drivers struggling to see the road ahead (23 October 2026)
- College of Optometrists: College supports new RAC research on headlight dazzle (23 October 2026)
- DVSA: MOT inspection manual, section 4 (lamps)
- The Highway Code: rules 113 to 115
Facts checked against the sources above on 25 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
