A new report and survey findings from the RAC have shed fresh light on the growing problem of headlight glare and its impact on night-time driving.

Survey results reveal that millions of drivers in the UK are now struggling to cope with dazzling oncoming headlights, with many adjusting their night-driving habits as a result.

Following commissioned research,  the government has yet to announce potential solutions and new policies.

In the spotlight

According to the RAC’s research, almost all drivers surveyed said they find at least some vehicle headlights too bright.

The vast majority also report that the issue has worsened over the past year.

More than half (57%) of those affected believe glare from headlights is more severe than in previous years, a trend the RAC describes as a growing safety concern.

The shift to modern lighting technologies such as LED headlights, which emit higher lumens and a whiter, more intense light than traditional halogen bulbs, is believed to be a major factor behind the problem.

With cars becoming bigger, headlights are also higher and closer to eye level for oncoming drivers and riders.

Research from the RAC suggests that these lights, while improving visibility for the driver using them, can cause discomfort and temporary vision impairment for oncoming motorists.

Ongoing blindings

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said that dazzle from headlights had become a “perennial problem for drivers”.

He underlined that many motorists now feel less confident navigating roads after dark.

Drivers report not only struggling to spot hazards, traffic signs and road markings, but also difficulty judging the speed and distance of other vehicles while dazzled by oncoming lights.

Nearly a quarter of drivers admitted they’ve been temporarily blinded by headlights, further eroding safety and confidence.

Among those affected, 33% said the glare made them feel less safe driving at night, while many reported headaches, tiredness and eye strain as additional consequences of exposure to bright headlights.

Avoiding the lights

Perhaps one of the most striking findings from the RAC’s analysis is how drivers are changing their behaviour in response.

About 25% of motorists said they are reducing the amount they drive at night or have stopped night driving altogether, because the glare makes the experience too uncomfortable or difficult.

This shift is more pronounced among certain age groups, with younger drivers (under 35 ) and older drivers (75 and over) particularly likely to avoid night journeys.

For many, this isn’t just inconvenient, but is impacting their daily quality of life and mobility.

A significant number of drivers who would like to reduce night driving say they cannot, often because work, family commitments or other responsibilities require evening travel.

Call for action 

Motoring and road safety organisations have been campaigning for government action on headlight glare for several years.

In response to ongoing complaints and earlier findings, the UK Government commissioned independent research by TRL into the causes and effects of headlight glare, with results published in late 2025.

The report was welcomed, including by the College of Optometrists, but it has so far failed to lead to any regulatory changes.

Experts suggest that better alignment standards, improved headlight design guidelines, and public awareness campaigns could help mitigate the effects of glare.

The RAC has recommended that clearer regulations around headlight brightness and aiming should be considered, alongside technological solutions such as adaptive lighting systems that reduce dazzle for oncoming drivers.