Advice
What are dipped headlights and when to use them?
Learn what dipped headlights are and when to use them according to the Highway Code, to keep you and other road users safe.
Words by: Nimisha Jain
Published on 30 October 2025 | 0 min read
There are two main types of headlights that you can use – dipped headlights (also known as low-beam headlights) and main-beam headlights. Of these, dipped headlights are the most frequently used.
All headlights are designed so keep you and other road users safe, so it’s important to understand which headlight to use when.
All headlights are designed so keep you and other road users safe, so it’s important to understand which headlight to use when.
What are dipped headlights?
Dipped headlights help improve the ability to see the road ahead and make your car more visible to other road users. They typically illuminate approximately 30 metres of the road ahead.
They’re called ‘dipped’ as they are angled downwards to help avoid dazzling other road users. Full-beam headlights, on the other hand, are angled higher so you can see further and wider.
They’re called ‘dipped’ as they are angled downwards to help avoid dazzling other road users. Full-beam headlights, on the other hand, are angled higher so you can see further and wider.
When to use dipped headlights?
According to the Highway Code, “you must not use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders” - this is why it’s important to know which headlights to use when.
The Highway Code suggests using dipped headlights at night and in dull daytime weather. Visibility is often reduced at night, particularly on roads with poor lighting, but weather conditions such as rain or heavy fog can also make it difficult to see clearly. So, you should switch your dipped headlights on whenever your view of the road is limited. The Highway Code also suggests keeping your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle to avoid dazzling oncoming road users. You should do the same if you’re being overtaken as soon as the other vehicle draws level with you, as otherwise, you could dazzle them through their mirrors. So dipped headlights work well in most situations – they help avoid dazzling vehicles in the opposite direction to you, when you’re behind someone with less than 300m distance between you or when you’re driving through corners and hills. You should only use main-beam headlight when there’s unlit stretches of road at night with no other road users nearby, and you need a further boost to your visibility.
The Highway Code suggests using dipped headlights at night and in dull daytime weather. Visibility is often reduced at night, particularly on roads with poor lighting, but weather conditions such as rain or heavy fog can also make it difficult to see clearly. So, you should switch your dipped headlights on whenever your view of the road is limited. The Highway Code also suggests keeping your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle to avoid dazzling oncoming road users. You should do the same if you’re being overtaken as soon as the other vehicle draws level with you, as otherwise, you could dazzle them through their mirrors. So dipped headlights work well in most situations – they help avoid dazzling vehicles in the opposite direction to you, when you’re behind someone with less than 300m distance between you or when you’re driving through corners and hills. You should only use main-beam headlight when there’s unlit stretches of road at night with no other road users nearby, and you need a further boost to your visibility.
How to turn on dipped headlights
In most cars, you can switch the dipped headlights on by twisting the indicator stalk or a dial on the dashboard dial. Some new cars such as the Volvo XC 40 and the Hyundai Ioniq automatically switch dipped headlights on when the visibility is poor.
Are dipped headlights and fog lights the same?
No, dipped headlights and fog lights are different.
Dipped headlights are used for your day-to-day city and night-time driving to keep the road ahead illuminated, whereas fog lights are designed to cut through fog and mist and should only be used when your visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100m). Fog lights emit a low and wide beam to help you see better on foggy days. Rear fog lights are especially bright as they help alerts drivers behind you, so fog lights must be turned off as soon as visibility improves as they can dazzle the drivers.
Dipped headlights are used for your day-to-day city and night-time driving to keep the road ahead illuminated, whereas fog lights are designed to cut through fog and mist and should only be used when your visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100m). Fog lights emit a low and wide beam to help you see better on foggy days. Rear fog lights are especially bright as they help alerts drivers behind you, so fog lights must be turned off as soon as visibility improves as they can dazzle the drivers.
Driving with a damaged headlight
If you’re caught driving with a driving with a damaged headlight, you could receive a ‘vehicle defect rectification notice (VDRS)’. With a VDRS, you must fix the broken light and provide proof that it’s been fixed to the police within 14 days to avoid prosecution.
Laws around using your headlights
There are few things you should keep in mind about your headlights to be compliant with the law:
• All vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1931 are legally required to have headlights. • The colour of the light headlamps emit must be yellow, white, or predominantly white with blue tinge. • The headlights must immediately light up when they’re switched on or when switched between main-beam and dipped beam. If you notice the headlights aren’t working properly, you should get them checked by a professional. New cars are being fitted with the latest technology keep you safe. Check out our collection on the different features and technology, and how to stay safe on road.
• All vehicles first used on or after 1 January 1931 are legally required to have headlights. • The colour of the light headlamps emit must be yellow, white, or predominantly white with blue tinge. • The headlights must immediately light up when they’re switched on or when switched between main-beam and dipped beam. If you notice the headlights aren’t working properly, you should get them checked by a professional. New cars are being fitted with the latest technology keep you safe. Check out our collection on the different features and technology, and how to stay safe on road.