Getting to grips with the rules of the road takes time – especially when you’ve just passed your test. Between finding the right insurance, planning routes and learning to park without an audience, car lights might not be top of your list.
But knowing how (and when) to use your lights properly isn’t just about avoiding fines – it’s about being safe, seen and confident behind the wheel. Here’s a simple breakdown of what the UK law says about car lights, plus a few practical tips from the Veygo team.
1. Lights aren’t just for night-time
If you’ve just passed your test, it’s easy to think headlights are only for when it’s dark. In reality, you’ll need them more often than you’d expect.
Rain, fog, spray from the car ahead – anything that cuts your visibility means it’s time to light up. If you can’t clearly see the car in front (or they might struggle to see you), switch on your dipped headlights. It’s safer and it keeps you within the law.
Modern cars with daytime running lights (DRLs) help, but they don’t always illuminate the rear of your car – so check that your tail lights are actually on when conditions get murky.
Veygo tip: When in doubt, lights on. Nobody ever failed a journey for being too visible.
2. Night driving 101
As soon as the sun sets, your lights become your voice on the road – they show others where you are, where you’re going, and how fast.
Use dipped headlights whenever street lighting isn’t enough. Full beam is brilliant on unlit roads, but remember to dip them again if someone’s coming towards you, or you’re following another car. It’s just good manners (and keeps everyone’s eyesight intact).
You technically can drive on sidelights alone in well-lit areas, but it’s not worth the risk – most drivers just keep their dipped beams on for better visibility.
And if you’re heading out late, give your lights a quick once-over before you set off. It’s an easy way to spot a dead bulb before someone else does.
3. Brake lights and signals
Brake lights and indicators might seem boring, but they’re the reason traffic doesn’t collapse into chaos.
If a brake bulb goes, other drivers have no warning you’re slowing down. That can end badly – or at least earn you a stop from the police. Check them regularly (a quick reverse up to a window or garage door shows if both sides light up).
Indicators, meanwhile, are your way of telling everyone what’s next. Use them early, clearly, and always cancel after the turn. As for hazard lights, save them for when you’ve had to stop somewhere unusual or need to warn people of danger ahead – not for thanking someone or pulling up briefly.
Veygo tip: get in the habit of doing a ‘light walkaround’ whenever you refuel. It takes 20 seconds and saves you a fine.
4. Fog lights
Fog lights are like espresso shots: great in moderation, a bit much otherwise.
They’re designed for serious visibility drops – think thick fog, snow, or spray where you can barely see 100 metres ahead. If the fog clears, turn them off. They’re brighter than your regular lights and can dazzle drivers behind you. Using them in normal conditions might even earn you a fixed-penalty fine.
So: if you can see the car in front, you probably don’t need your fogs. Simple.
Quick recap
- Bad weather: Dipped headlights.
- Dark or poorly lit road: Dipped or main beam (but don’t dazzle).
- Fog or heavy snow: Fog lights on – and off again when clear.
- Every drive: Make sure your brake and indicator lights all work.
5. Keep your lights legal and working
Beyond knowing when to use them, it’s also about keeping them in good shape.
- Clean them regularly – dirt can cut their brightness by half.
- Check for cracks, condensation or loose fittings.
- Replace blown bulbs straight away (many garages will do this on the spot).
- Avoid coloured or tinted lights that could confuse other drivers – they’re illegal and could invalidate your insurance.
Veygo tip: Keep a spare bulb kit in your glovebox. They’re cheap, small, and can save your night drive.
6. How this fits with Veygo and you
At Veygo, we get it – young drivers juggle a lot. Maybe you’re driving home from a night shift, heading to a uni lecture in the rain, or borrowing a friend’s car for the weekend. Whatever the journey, visibility matters.
Good lighting habits keep you safe, lower your risk of accidents, and show you’re a responsible driver – which is exactly the kind of behaviour insurers like to see.
In short: your lights protect more than your car. They protect your confidence on the road.
Final checklist for younger drivers
Before your next drive, run through this quick list:
- Are all your exterior lights working (headlights, brake lights, indicators)?
- Are your headlights on when visibility is low, or when it’s night?
- Are your fog lights off unless visibility is really poor (under 100 metres)?
- Are your lights clean and aligned properly?
- Got spare bulbs handy?
Stay visible. Stay safe. And drive smart.