Vehicle Lights

Lighting rules cover both when lamps must be on (darkness or visibility under 150 m) and how to use beams (dip for oncoming/leading traffic). Hazard lights signal a stationary hazard or breakdown — not a substitute for headlights in rain. Operationally linked to the Headlights and Hazard Lights controls.

Plain-language rule

Headlamps, rear lamps and the number-plate lamp must be lit between sunset and sunrise, and whenever persons or vehicles are not clearly visible at 150 m (fog, rain, dust). Use dipped (low) beam when meeting or closely following traffic; bright (main) beam only on open road with no traffic in range.

Legal basis: National Road Traffic Regulations 2000, Reg 109 (when lit) & Reg 158 (visible at 150 m)

Exceptions

  • Parking lamps used when stationary on a public road at night where required
  • Fog lamps only in fog or poor visibility

Question patterns

  • Numeric recall (limits, distances, ages) where applicable.
  • “What must you do in situation X?” — required response.
  • Distractor trap: Thinking headlights are only for night-time, forgetting to dip for oncoming traffic, or using hazard lights while driving in rain.

Penalty / consequence

Fine for driving without lights or for dazzling oncoming drivers with main beam.

Ontology Vehicle Lights [part-of] Rules of the Road

Connections

Sources