Is it Illegal to Drive With One Headlight?

When it comes to road safety, fully functioning headlights are essential for ensuring that other drivers and pedestrians can see you. Whether you’re driving in the dark or in weather conditions that reduce visibility, you must always have your headlights turned on. 

However, what should you do if one of your headlights goes out without any warning? Or what if you’ve been driving around, not realising only one of your headlights is working? It’s an easy mistake to make, but it’s important to replace an illegal blown bulb immediately. Not only is it dangerous, but it could result in a fine if police stop you. 

In this blog, we’ll cover what the UK law has to say about driving with one headlight, the safety risks, and how to ensure that your headlights are always functioning correctly.

What are the headlight rules in the UK?

So, is it illegal to drive with one headlight in the UK? In a nutshell, the answer is “yes”. Here’s what you need to know:

• It's illegal to drive with only one headlight in the UK under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, 1989. This requires all bulbs to be functioning and clean.
• The Highway Code Rules reinforce that vehicle lights must be maintained and used correctly, especially at night or in poor visibility.
• If you're caught driving with a single working headlight, police can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of around £100, increasing up to £1,000 if it goes to court.
• If caught with an illegal blown bulb, police can also issue you with three penalty points on your license.
• Your vehicle will fail its MOT if all lights aren’t functioning.

If you’re not sure whether your headlights are working as they should, we offer a free Vehicle Health Check to give you peace of mind. We’ll check your bulbs for you, as well as other common things that can go wrong, including tyres, batteries, wipers, and fluid levels.

Can you get points for a headlight being out?

Yes, as mentioned above, police can issue penalty points if you get caught with only one working headlight. In practice, it all comes down to the discretion of the officer, especially as in many cases it will be due to a genuine mistake. However, no matter how unlikely, it’s essential to replace a broken headlight promptly so you can continue to drive safely and legally.

The safety risks of driving with one headlight

A blown bulb is more than just a minor issue. It presents several safety risks, both to you and others on the road. Here’s a breakdown of the main dangers.

1. Reduced visibility

Driving with one headlight limits your visibility and impairs your depth perception, making it harder to see hazards and judge distances, especially in the dark.

2. Miscommunication with other drivers

With only one headlight, other drivers may mistake your car for a motorcycle or not see you clearly in poor weather..

3. Increased risk of accident

Uneven lighting from one headlight can cause glare and make it harder for others to see you, leading to slower reactions and a higher chance of collisions.

4. Legal and financial risks

Driving with one headlight is illegal and can lead to fines or increased liability if you're involved in an accident.

5. Vehicle integrity concerns

A faulty headlight may indicate broader electrical problems that could affect other important systems, like brake lights or turn signals.

What to do if one headlight is out?

If you find yourself in the unavoidable situation of one of your headlights going out while driving, it’s important not to panic. You should:

• Use extra caution. Slow down, keep a safe distance, and be especially alert in low visibility conditions.
• Avoid driving at night if possible, and use high beams sparingly to improve visibility without blinding others.
• Make sure your turn signals and brake lights are working properly, and signal early to help other drivers see you.
• Get the headlight fixed as soon as possible, as it's both a safety hazard and illegal.

Before setting out on your journey, there are also some checks you can do yourself to determine whether one of your headlights has gone out. First of all, park in a safe spot, ensure you have the handbrake on and ask a friend or family member to stand in front of your car while you turn on the headlights. Have them check if both lights are on and equally bright. This is a quick way to spot a burned-out bulb or dim headlight.

If it hasn't blown, dirt or fog can make lights appear dim, so make sure the lenses of both headlights are clean. 

How to replace blown headlights

If one or both of your headlights have blown, it’s fairly straightforward to rectify the problem yourself. See some pointers below, or for full instructions, check out our How to replace blown headlights guide.

• Check your owner’s manual to find the correct bulb type
• Turn off the engine and headlights, and park safely
• Open the bonnet and locate the back of the headlight assembly
• Remove any covers or clips holding the bulb in place
• Carefully disconnect and remove the old bulb
• Insert the new bulb without touching the glass (use a cloth)
• Reattach covers and clips, then close the bonnet
• Turn on the headlights to make sure the new bulb works properly.

If you’re unsure about replacing the bulb on your own, have sealed beam headlights, or suspect an electrical issue, just contact the Kwik Fit team, who’ll be happy to help.

Our skilled technicians can quickly provide, install, and adjust new bulbs for you.

Help with headlights at Kwik Fit

Driving with a faulty headlight isn’t just unsafe. It’s illegal and can lead to fines or accidents. Properly functioning headlights are crucial for your visibility and the safety of everyone on the road. 

If you notice one of your headlights is out, it’s important to take immediate action to avoid risks and stay within the law. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Regularly check your lights and address any issues promptly. 

Think you might have a blown bulb? Get it checked at your nearest Kwik Fit centre today, as part of our free vehicle safety check.