Calls for LED headlight ‘ban’ rise as 85 % of Brits ‘blinded’ by brightness

Cars with bright lights driving in city at night

85 percent of motorists have said that bright LED headlights have blinded them on the roads (Image: Getty)

A new study has found that nearly nine in 10 Brits have previously been that is growing in popularity on new models.

Whilst the days are beginning to get longer, many motorists are still travelling at night, with the majority fitted with .

Ian Wilson, Managing Director at the comparison service , highlighted that LED lights are often fitted to improve a driver’s visibility but can frustrate other road users.

He said: “While brighter improve the view of the road ahead, they’ve also caused an increase of drivers reporting being dazzled by oncoming headlights.

“It’s clear from our survey that drivers are frustrated and concerned about the risks posed by overly bright headlights, with most drivers supporting the Ministers’ initiative to assess the usage of LED lights on the road.”

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Close up of LED headlight cluster on a BMW X5

LED headlights are becoming increasingly common, particularly on new models (Image: Getty)

According to Tiger.co.uk, which assessed the views of 1,000 motorists across the UK, 85 percent admitted to having been temporarily blinded by another vehicle fitted with LED headlights.

75 % suggested that the bright light restricted their view of the road ahead, running the risk of causing a serious accident, with 89 % of respondents stating that they would like to see an assessment regarding the safety of LED headlights on road vehicles.

The Government recently announced that they are looking into ‘potential countermeasures’ surrounding the safety of bright headlights.

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Bright LED vehicle headlights on a dark rural road

The Government has announced it is reviewing ‘potential countermeasures’ for LED lights (Image: Getty)

Responding to the queries of local MPs, Lilian Greenwood, Labour MP for Nottingham South and Minister for the Future of Roads, suggested that the study will assess the main causes of dazzling on the roads.

She continued: “However, noting increased public concern about headlamp glare, the Government has commissioned independent research to better understand the root causes and develop potential countermeasures.

“This work is underway and due to deliver in summer 2025; it will include real-world assessment of glare on a broad range of road types and scenarios including country roads.”

In addition, Ian recommended that all drivers should also make sure their headlights are not on full beam when following other vehicles or approaching oncoming road users.

He added: “It’s crucial to remember to dip your headlights as soon as you see an oncoming vehicle and adjust headlights when carrying heavy loads as the rear of the vehicle may sink, tilting your headlights upward and creating excessive glare.

“When upgrading headlights, it’s important to fit them properly and ensure the new bulbs are compatible with the existing headlight housing.”

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