The Future Roads Minister has provided an update on the future legislation that could regulate the brightness of headlights, which has become a growing problem in recent years.
Motoring organisations and drivers have called on the Government to unveil new traffic laws that aim to crack down on bright LED headlights that dazzle other road users.
The issue has been growing recently as drivers become affected by LED headlights on the road, which can be particularly dangerous in the dark, winter months.
Data from the RAC suggests that 85 per cent of British drivers have reported being affected by headlight glare while 90 per cent said car headlights were too bright.
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Drivers have continually called on the Government to introduce measures to crack down on dazzling headlights
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Several reasons for the growing issue have been proposed, including the rising popularity of SUVs and a move away from traditional headlight bulbs.
Older, yellow halogen bulbs give off a warmer light and are usually not as intense as the new standard of white LED light which has been seen to cause issues.
Earlier this week, Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, asked a question in comments regarding the safety of LED headlights.
The Democratic Unionist Party’s health spokesperson questioned the impact of bright headlights on cars in general and specifically on country roads.
In response, Lilian Greenwood, the Future of Roads Minister, said a new study was already underway to evaluate “countermeasures” to protect people on the roads.
The Labour MP for Nottingham South added: “All types of road vehicle headlamps are designed, tested, and approved to internationally recognised standards to help prevent undue glare and ensure safety on a broad range of roads and environments.
“However, noting increased public concern about headlamp glare, Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes and develop potential countermeasures.
“This work is underway and due to deliver in summer 2025; it will include real-world assessment of glare on a broad range of road types and scenarios including country roads.”
The Department for Transport has commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) to undertake testing on the impact of bright LED headlights on motorists depending on different factors.
The study was first launched in October and is expected to run until the spring, with hopes the data will provide the basis for future legislation later this year.
Prior to the election last year, more than 14,000 people signed a petition calling for ministers to launch a review and “find solutions”.
In response to the petition, the Department for Transport clarified that it had raised the issue at the United Nations international expert group on vehicle lighting.
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The Future of Roads Minister clarified that work was being done to investigate dazzling headlights
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It reported that the transitional provisions will give manufacturers enough time to redesign their products, with tighter tolerances expected to be introduced in September 2027.
The DfT continued: “Once implemented, these tougher requirements will help alleviate the number of cases where road users are dazzled.
“In addition, the DfT also plans to commission independent research to better understand the root causes of driver glare and identify any further appropriate mitigations.”
