Drivers whose headlights 'automatically' turn on face £1,000 fine

Drivers are risking £1,000 fines for a headlight mistake which could cause a crash. Road users out on the roads during poor weather in the autumn have been urged to turn on their dipped headlights, which automatically trigger the rear lights, rather than daytime running lights (DRL).

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, warns: "DRLs have been helping to improve road safety for more than a decade now. But I'd urge motorists to understand precisely how they work and what job they're supposed to do.

"Here at Select, we've heard countless reports of people failing to illuminate their headlights and taillights while driving in poor visibility in recent weeks, and there's a fear motorists might mistakenly believe that their DRLs are sufficient in those sorts of conditions. They're not!".

READ MORE Drivers refunded after being 'wrongly charged' due to camera position

"We had a rash of reports during last week's rain storms, with drivers taking to spray-engulfed motorways with just their DRLs lit - which is obviously incredibly dangerous. And it would clearly be extremely foolish to rely on DRLs when the sun goes down, too," he said.

"The most important thing to remember is that many DRL systems don't automatically light the rear lights. If you want to be seen by the cars who are following you, be sure to click your headlights on." He went on: "According to the Highway Code, you must use headlights when visibility is 'seriously reduced' - either through light conditions, rain or fog - and generally when you can't see for more than 100 metres (328 feet)."

"Failure to illuminate properly can lead to a £1,000 fine if spotted by the police." Graham continued, telling motorists up and down the UK amid the autumn period beginning: "Taking proactive control of the different lights you use will increase your safety and reduce any risk on winter journeys."