Many UK drivers believe car headlights are too bright, and it's become a growing safety concern. A surge in complaints and surveys confirms that overly bright headlights are affecting visibility and confidence, especially during night time driving. 

What Do Drivers Say? 
Over 89% of UK drivers report being dazzled by oncoming headlights
Four in five drivers feel nervous driving in the dark due to headlight glare 
Older drivers are particularly affected — many now avoid driving at night altogether due to glare-related anxiety.

Why It Matters 
Glare from headlights can temporarily blind or distract drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
It contributes to driver fatigue and reduced confidence, especially in winter when darkness falls earlier.

What’s Causing the Glare?
Modern LED and bi-xenon headlights emit a more intense beam than traditional halogen bulbs, making them appear brighter Yahoo News UK.
SUVs and taller vehicles often have headlights positioned higher, increasing the likelihood of dazzling oncoming drivers Yahoo News UK.
Poor headlight alignment can worsen glare, even if the lights themselves meet legal brightness standards Yahoo News UK.

Are There Any Rules or Changes Coming? 
The Department for Transport (DfT) launched a study into headlight glare in 2024, with findings expected soon.
The government is considering tighter regulations on headlight design and alignment as part of its upcoming Road Safety Strategy.
MOT tests currently check headlight aim, but not brightness intensity — a gap that may be addressed in future updates.

The Automated Vehicles Act received Royal Assent on 20 May 2024. This formally made the legislation law in the UK and enabled the government to move ahead with plans for self‑driving vehicle deployments from 2026.
The Act creates a full legal framework for self‑driving vehicles in the UK, defining who is responsible when a vehicle is “driving itself,” how companies must prove safety, and how the government can regulate, monitor, and intervene. It shifts legal responsibility away from the human occupant and onto licensed organisations, while giving regulators strong powers to enforce safety and transparency.
Core Powers and Responsibilities
1. New Legal Status for Self‑Driving Vehicles
Establishes when a vehicle is officially considered to be “driving itself.”
Requires vehicles to meet strict safety standards before they can be authorised for use.
Creates a national licensing system for automated driving features and operators.
2. Clear Liability Framework
When a vehicle is in automated mode, the human is not legally responsible for driving decisions.
Responsibility shifts to an Authorised Self‑Driving Entity (ASDE)—usually the manufacturer or software provider.
ASDEs must ensure the system remains safe throughout the vehicle’s life cycle.
3. Regulatory and Enforcement Powers
Government can issue binding statutory guidance, safety rules, and technical requirements.
Regulators can suspend, modify, or revoke authorisations if safety concerns arise.
Mandatory reporting of safety‑related incidents and system performance.
4. Safety Assurance Duties
ASDEs must demonstrate that automated vehicles achieve a safety level at least as good as careful and competent human drivers.
Ongoing monitoring and evidence‑based safety assessments are required.
Operators must cooperate with investigations and provide data when requested.
5. Rules for Users‑in‑Charge and No‑User‑in‑Charge Services
Defines when a human must be available to take over (user‑in‑charge).
Enables fully driverless services (no‑user‑in‑charge), such as autonomous taxis and shuttles.
Sets conditions for remote supervision and operational safety.
6. Integration with Existing Road Traffic Law 
Updates multiple road traffic and vehicle safety laws to accommodate automated systems.
Provides mechanisms for future regulations as technology evolves.