IT’S such a pervasive problem that puts many motorists off driving at night, however it has now been revealed the intensity of car headlights is not currently tested for road safety purposes.
Fermanagh and Omagh Council recently wrote to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) expressing concern about the brightness of vehicle headlights, noting they are “an increasingly distressing and potentially dangerous aspect of motoring whilst driving at night.”
The Council asked for DfI for clarification on the regulations regarding headlight brightness, and enquired who was responsible for enforcement of these regulations.
The answer they received essentially outlined how there were currently no enforceable statutory regulations on headlight brightness.
However, with the issue raised as high as the UN, it is hoped this will change in the coming years.
In a letter of response, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins explained the responsibility for certifying a vehicle for use fell on the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), which is a branch of the Department for Transport (DfT) in Britain.
“VCA work to the regulations, including in relation to headlights, that are ultimately agreed to by DfT,” she continued.
“You may wish to note that as part of the annual roadworthiness test the Driver and Vehicle Agency checks the headlight alignment on vehicles, however light intensity or glare are not currently testable items.”
Minister Kimmins added, “DfT officials have advised that all vehicle headlamps are designed and tested to comply with internationally recognised standards.
“This is to ensure they balance the need to be sufficiently bright to illuminate the road ahead against the risk of affecting the vision of other road users. The standards define the beam pattern and include maximum and minimum light intensities.
“In light of concerns raised by the public, DfT officials raised the issue at the United Nations international expert group on vehicle lighting.
“Proposals to amend headlamp aiming criteria were subsequently agreed in April 2023, together with requirements for mandatory automatic headlamp levelling.”
Minister Kimmins said the implementation of these changes would “take some time” as manufacturers needed time to adapt and redesign their vehicles. She said it is expected the “tighter tolerances” would come into force in September 2027.
“Once implemented, these tougher requirements for new vehicle types will in due course help alleviate the number of cases where road users are dazzled.”
Stating research was currently being carried out regarding headlight glare, Minister Kimmins added her department would be monitoring the results and would be advising on any implications for advice for road users in future.
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