Full beam headlights
Full beam headlights are the brightest type of headlight on normal vehicles.
They are angled higher than dipped headlights, allowing you to see more of the road, and are sometimes known as high beams.
The switch to turn them on is usually found near the switch for dipped headlights and they may use a different set of bulbs.
When to use high beams
You should only use full beam headlights on unlit stretches of road at night.
When meeting oncoming traffic (including cyclists or pedestrians), following another vehicle, or driving on left-turning bends, you must turn off full beam headlights as they can often be dazzling and may cause accidents.
Fog lights
Fog lights are designed to cut through fog and mist, unlike full beam lights that are reflected by fog.
They usually come in two sets, front and back, with the switches coloured coded: amber for rear fog lights and green for front fog lights.
In most cars you’ll need to turn your dipped headlights on before pressing or twisting the fog light switch.
When to use fog lights
You should only use your fog lights when visibility is below 100 metres. To use a classic British measurement putting it in perspective: that’s roughly the length of a football pitch.
It’s important not to use your fog lights when visibility is better than that, as you risk dazzling other drivers.
Hazard warning lights
Your hazard lights can be seen at all corners of your car – they’re the lights usually used as your indicators.
The blinking amber lights are used to warn other drivers of danger or obstructions on the road, and the dashboard button is indicated with a triangle shape as shown above.
When to use hazard warning lights
You should only use your hazard lights if your vehicle is stationary, to warn others that you’re causing a temporary obstruction.
This may happen when you’ve had an accident, broken down or been forced to stop by an obstruction.
You may also use your hazard lights if you are on a motorway and there is an obstruction up ahead that you need to warn other drivers about.
Indicators
Indicators take up the same position as your hazard warning lights, visible on all corners of your car.
The blinking amber lights are turned on and off down one side of your car using your indicator stalk. They also automatically turn off once you straighten your wheels after making a turn.
When to use indicators
You should use indicators to show other road users and pedestrians where you intend to turn. This includes roundabouts, pulling away, overtaking and changing lanes.
Make sure you don’t leave it too late, or turn them on too early, as others might think you’re taking an earlier turning.
- 12 simple car maintenance checks you should definitely be doing
- Daytime running lights cause night time danger
Learner driver insurance – from 2 hours to 5 months
Sidelights/parking lights
Car sidelights, or parking lights as they are sometimes known, are usually found in the headlamp unit in the front corners of your car.
Sidelights aren’t as bright as headlights, so are used by drivers to make themselves visible to traffic during times when it’s not dark enough for main lights.
The switch to turn them on is usually found on a dashboard dial or twisted indicator stalk.
When to use sidelights/parking lights
The Highway Code says that all vehicles must display parking lights or sidelights when parked on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit over 30mph. They are designed to be left on for long periods of time when you leave your car and shouldn’t drain your battery.
If the road has a speed limit of 30mph or less, you don’t need to use your sidelights, as long as:
- your spot is a recognised parking bay or lay-by, or
- you’re facing in the direction of the traffic flow, close to the kerb, and at least 10 metres from the nearest junction
Sidelights must also be switched on if your vehicle, for unavoidable reasons, is parked on any road in fog.
Tail lights
Tail lights are red and found on the back of your car. They’re turned on/off at the same time as your headlights.
So, whether you manually turn on your headlights or they work automatically, they will illuminate either way.
Brake lights
Brake lights are also red and are located near your tail lights. They illuminate to show other drivers that you’ve applied your brakes and are slowing down.