Key Highlights
- The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is launching a crackdown on the sale of bright, illegal retrofitted LED headlights.
- A government-funded study found that 75% of people afraid to drive at night attributed their fear to dazzling headlights from oncoming vehicles.
- Installing LEDs in headlights designed for halogen bulbs can be classed as an illegal car modification, potentially creating a dangerous situation for other road users.
- The DVSA will monitor the sale of LED retrofit kits and engage with sellers to remove misleading marketing claims.
New Crackdown on Bright LED Headlights Aims to Enhance Road Safety
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced a new crackdown on the sale of bright, illegal retrofitted LED headlights. This move comes amid growing concerns about drivers being dazzled by overly bright headlights from oncoming vehicles, which can significantly impact road safety.
Concerns Over Bright Headlights
A recent government-funded study released on 5 November found that 75% of people who were afraid to drive at night attributed their fear to dazzling headlights. This issue has been exacerbated by the rise in the number of people installing illegal brighter LEDs in headlights designed for halogen bulbs, which can be potentially dangerous for other road users.
DVSA’s Crackdown Measures
The DVSA is taking proactive steps to address this problem. They are stepping up surveillance to intercept the sale of illegal retrofit headlamp bulbs and will focus on removing misleading marketing claims that suggest these kits are “road legal” or “MOT proof.” The agency plans to engage with sellers, requesting them to either remove non-compliant listings or make warnings more prominent.
Legal Status and Consequences
According to car headlight specialists Powerbulbs, swapping headlights from a traditional halogen bulb to an LED is considered an illegal modification. This is because the manufacturer uses a specific type of reflector in the headlamp designed for halogen bulbs, which can have the opposite effect when shone on with an LED, making it much brighter and less focused.
Drivers found using such illegal headlights could face a fine of up to £1,000. Moreover, if caught, their car will fail an MOT (Ministry of Transport test), further emphasizing the severity of the issue.
Impact on Night Driving
The study also revealed that 33% of motorists are driving less at night or have stopped completely due to fears about other vehicles’ headlights being too bright. Other factors contributing to increased glare include badly aligned headlights and the prevalence of SUVs with higher-positioned headlights.
Future Research and Strategies
The government has acknowledged these issues, stating that they plan to conduct more research into headlight brightness and design the “first road safety strategy in over a decade.” This comprehensive approach aims to address not only the immediate concerns but also long-term solutions for enhancing overall road safety.
By addressing the sale of illegal LED retrofit kits, the DVSA is taking an important step towards creating safer roads. However, it remains crucial that all drivers understand and adhere to the legal requirements regarding headlight modifications to prevent potential accidents and ensure everyone’s safety on the road.
