Driving in the dark: how to stay safe when the clocks go back
The clocks go back at 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026, and from the Monday most of us will be driving home in the dark. It catches people out every year. Research for the RAC Foundation found that in the fortnight after the clocks change, collisions involving pedestrians rise by about 11%, and the biggest jump in crashes comes during the evening rush hour.
The good news is that driving in the dark mostly comes down to a few habits: use the right lights, keep your glass and lights clean, slow down to match what you can actually see, and get your eyes checked. This guide covers the rules, the practical tips and the car checks worth doing before the evenings draw in.
Last updated 30 September 2026. Rules come from the Highway Code on GOV.UK. Collision figures come from the RAC Foundation’s study of clock changes between 2012 and 2017.
Key takeaways
- The clocks go back on Sunday 25 October 2026, so the evening commute moves into darkness almost overnight.
- You must use headlights at night on roads without street lighting, and sidelights between sunset and sunrise (Highway Code Rule 113).
- Drive at a speed that lets you stop well within the distance you can see to be clear (Rule 126). At night, that distance is shorter than you think.
- Pedestrians and cyclists are much harder to spot after dark, especially near schools, bus stops and shops around 3pm to 6pm.
- Clean headlights, a clean windscreen inside and out, and good wiper blades make a bigger difference at night than in daylight.
- If you struggle with glare or can’t read a number plate from 20 metres, book an eye test.
In this guide
- What are the rules on headlights at night?
- Why is driving in the dark more dangerous?
- 10 tips for driving safely in the dark
- How to deal with glare from other headlights
- Car checks before the clocks go back
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources and further reading
What are the rules on headlights at night?
The Highway Code covers this in Rules 113 to 115. The short version: you must have your sidelights and rear number plate lights on between sunset and sunrise, and you must use headlights at night unless the road has lit street lights. You must not use your lights in a way that dazzles other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
| Light | When to use it | What to watch out for |
| Dipped headlights | At night on any road, and in built-up areas with street lighting | Keep them dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle (Rule 115) |
| Main beam (full beam) | On unlit roads when nobody is ahead of you or coming towards you | Dip them as soon as you see another road user, so you don’t dazzle them |
| Sidelights | Must be on between sunset and sunrise | Sidelights alone are not enough to see by, or to be seen, on most roads |
| Fog lights | Only when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres | Switch them off as soon as it clears. Using them in normal darkness can dazzle others (Rule 114) |
Many newer cars have automatic headlights and daytime running lights. Daytime running lights often don’t light up the rear of the car, so don’t rely on the dashboard looking lit. If your car has an auto setting, leave it on, but check the lights are actually on at dusk. You can read more in our guide on when to use fog lights.
Why is driving in the dark more dangerous?
At night you can see far less of the road, colours are harder to pick out, and judging speed and distance gets trickier. Dipped headlights typically light up only a limited stretch of road ahead of you, so at higher speeds on unlit roads you can be driving faster than you can see.
The clock change adds a sudden jolt. In one week, the school run and the drive home move from daylight into dusk and darkness, while pedestrians are still in their summer habits. The RAC Foundation found that in the two weeks after the clocks go back:
- Collisions rose by an average of 278 a year, an increase of 5.1%.
- Most of that rise came in the evening peak, with 202 extra collisions a year (up 5.9%).
- Collisions involving pedestrian casualties rose by about 102 a year, an increase of 11.3%.
Tiredness also plays a part. Dark evenings after a long day at work make it easier to lose concentration, even on a route you know well.
10 tips for driving safely in the dark
1. Slow down to match what you can see
Rule 126 says you should drive at a speed that lets you stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. On an unlit country road, that can mean going well below the speed limit, especially around bends and over the brow of a hill.
2. Leave a bigger gap
It takes longer to spot a hazard at night, so give yourself more time to react. Use the two-second rule as a minimum on dry roads, and at least double it when it’s wet.
3. Use main beam properly
On unlit roads, full beam helps you see much further ahead. Dip it as soon as you see oncoming headlights, a car in front, or someone walking or cycling. When you follow another car, keep your lights dipped so you don’t dazzle the driver through their mirrors.
4. Look out for people you can’t see yet
Pedestrians in dark clothing can be almost invisible until you are very close. Take extra care near schools, bus stops, pubs, shops and housing estates, especially between 3pm and 6pm on weekdays, when pedestrian casualties peak. Cyclists without lights are another hazard, so check twice at junctions.
5. Watch for animals on rural roads
Deer, foxes and badgers are most active around dawn and dusk, and deer often travel in groups. If you see one, expect another. Slow down, dip your lights if it won’t dazzle other drivers, and don’t swerve violently to avoid an animal, because hitting another vehicle or a tree is usually worse.
6. Keep your glass spotless
A smeary windscreen that looks fine at midday can turn into a wall of glare at night. Clean the inside of the screen as well as the outside, and replace wiper blades that leave streaks. If your windows keep steaming up, our guide on how to demist your windscreen explains how to clear them quickly.
7. Dim your dashboard
A bright dashboard or sat nav screen makes it harder for your eyes to adjust to the road. Turn the brightness down or switch the screen to night mode.
8. Don’t stare into oncoming lights
If an oncoming car dazzles you, look towards the left-hand edge of your lane rather than into the lights, and slow down. The Highway Code says you should slow down and, if necessary, stop if you are dazzled.
9. Take regular breaks
The Highway Code recommends a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. If you feel drowsy, pull over somewhere safe, have a caffeinated drink and take a short nap. Opening the window or turning up the music doesn’t fix tiredness.
10. Plan your route
If you have a choice, a well-lit A-road or motorway is often easier at night than a twisty unlit B-road. Know where you are going before you set off, so you are not squinting at road signs or your phone.
How to deal with glare from other headlights
Glare from oncoming cars is one of the most common complaints about night driving, and brighter LED headlights have made it more noticeable for many people. A few things help:
- Keep your windscreen clean inside and out, because dirt and film scatter the light.
- Adjust your rear-view mirror to its night setting, or use auto-dimming if your car has it.
- Look to the left edge of the road until the car has passed.
- Make sure your own headlights are aimed correctly. If the car is loaded up, many models let you lower the beam with a dial on the dashboard.
- If glare seems to be getting worse, or you see halos around lights, get your eyes tested. It can be an early sign of changes in your eyesight.
By law, you must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres in good daylight, with glasses or contact lenses if you need them. If you are unsure, test yourself on a quiet street and book an eye test if you struggle.
Car checks before the clocks go back
A few minutes on these checks in October will make the dark months easier. Most of them you can do on your drive.
- Lights: walk round the car with the lights on, including brake lights and indicators. Ask someone to help, or reverse up to a window or garage door to check the reflection.
- Headlight lenses: clean them. Cloudy, yellowed lenses cut the light a lot, and restoration kits are cheap.
- Wiper blades: replace them if they smear, judder or have split rubber.
- Screenwash: top up with a winter-strength mix so it doesn’t freeze. See how to top up your screenwash.
- Battery: dark evenings mean more use of lights, heaters and wipers, all at the same time as the cold makes batteries weaker. Our car battery guide explains the warning signs.
- Tyres: check tread and pressures. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but grip drops off well before that. Read how long car tyres last.
- Emergency kit: keep a torch, a warm layer, a phone charger and a hi-vis vest in the boot in case you break down at night.
For a wider checklist, see our guide to winter car prep.
How Rooster can help
Rooster prices your insurance on how you drive, not who you are. Smooth, steady driving in the dark, with sensible speeds and gentle braking, is exactly the kind of driving that helps safe drivers save. The Rooster app also reminds you when your MOT and service are due, and our breakdown cover means you are not left stuck by the side of a dark road.
Frequently asked questions
When do the clocks go back in 2026?
At 2am on Sunday 25 October 2026. The clocks go back one hour, so it gets lighter earlier in the morning and darker earlier in the evening.
Is it illegal to drive with only sidelights on at night?
You must use headlights at night unless the road has street lighting. Even on lit roads, the Highway Code says you should use dipped headlights in built-up areas at night, because sidelights alone make you hard to see.
Can I be fined for dazzling other drivers?
Rule 114 says you must not use lights in a way that dazzles or causes discomfort to other road users. Leaving full beam on for oncoming traffic, or using fog lights in clear conditions, can lead to a fine.
Are anti-glare night driving glasses worth it?
Tinted or yellow-lens “night driving” glasses reduce the total amount of light reaching your eyes, which can make it harder to see in the dark. If you struggle with glare, speak to an optician about an anti-reflective coating on your prescription lenses instead.
Does driving at night affect my insurance?
With some black box policies, late-night driving can affect your price or come with a curfew. With Rooster, it is how you drive that counts, so smooth, careful driving is what matters.