Drivers face up to £5000 fines for one headlight mistake around others

Main beam headlights can be incredibly practical but must be used with care to prevent fines (Image: Getty)

Vehicle retailer Motorpoint has offered drivers a tip that can help keep them and others safe and prevent fines on dark autumn mornings. 

With the clocks going back an hour this weekend, many motorists will be starting their journeys in the dark and making better use of their vehicle's headlights.

However, Tim Rodie, resident driving expert at Motorpoint, warned drivers that they risk being fined if they use the main beam setting incorrectly.

He advised: "Using your main beam dramatically improves visibility when driving on unlit roads but should only be used when it’s safe to do so. As a rule, use your main beam only on unlit roads with no traffic ahead of you and nothing in the oncoming lane.

"It’s important to remember that it can be dangerous to use your main beam inappropriately as dazzling other motorists can lead to accidents."

Drivers must make sure that main beam lights do not dazzle other road users (Image: Getty)

Most vehicles feature three types of headlights, with the side markers typically used in fairly dim lighting, main beams for most conditions, and full beams for travelling in sparcely lit environments, such as the countryside.

Whilst main beam headlights can be particularly useful in keeping drivers safe on unlit roads, it is vital that they only turn on this setting when there are no other road users around. 

This can prevent dazzling others, which can increase the risk of a serious accident, and may also lead to a fine of £100 and three penalty points. However, this figure may increase to thousands of pounds, up to £5000, if the main beam lights cause a crash.

Tim also highlighted that motorists should also spend a few moments going around their car to make sure that all bulbs are working correctly before they take to the roads.

He continued: "Driving with only one working headlight not only reduces your visibility but will also make it harder for other motorists to see you. It’s easy to check, all you need to do is walk around your car with the headlights on to make sure that all the bulbs are working as they should.

"While you’re at it, you can also make sure your indicators are working – just switch your hazards on and look for any lights that don’t blink properly."