Review launched into headlights that leave drivers ‘dazzled’

They've proved to be divisive among drivers

LED lights have become increasingly popular on new cars in recent years, as they have replaced the traditional halogen bulbs.

The LED bulbs give a more focused beam, which is good news for the driver of the car as it gives them a better view.

For everyone else on the road, though, it seems to hinder their driving ability. A petition to look into the impact of headlight glare reached over 10,000 signatures, and now the government has responded.

The Department for Transport (DfT) have said that they are launching independent research to “better understand the root causes of driver glare and identify any further appropriate mitigations”, via The Guardian.

Dianne Hayter, a peer for Labour, said: “This is a victory for all those drivers affected by glare who’ve complained to their MP, signed the parliamentary petition, or indeed sought help from an optometrist only to discover the problem was with headlights, and not their eyes.”

The DfT added that, from 2027, international rules will give new vehicles mandatory automatic headlight levelling based on the weight being carried after a UN agreement.

Campaigners have welcomed news of a government review into the headlights.

Rod Dennis, road safety spokesman for the RAC, said: "The fact the Government has listened to drivers' concerns and heeded our calls to examine the complex issue of headlight glare in more detail marks a real turning point.

"The topic has undoubtedly struck a chord with motorists up and down the country, with many people contacting us directly to call for something to be done.

"Brighter headlights, while giving drivers a better view of the road ahead, are clearly causing other road users significant problems."

It comes after a study that found the vast majority of drivers think that LED headlights are too bright, via ITV.

The RAC-commissioned study found that 85% of people on the road think that headlight glare is getting worse, with a whopping 89% saying that LED lights are too bright.

The study also found that two-thirds of those on the road say the brightness of the lights force them to slow down, with 64% saying that LED headlights are so bright they can cause accidents.

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