When to Use Car Sidelights

Navigating the intricacies of road lighting can sometimes feel like a minefield, especially when it comes to the seemingly simple act of using your car's sidelights. While they might appear less significant than your headlights, understanding precisely when and why to employ them is crucial for both your safety and compliance with UK driving laws. This guide will demystify the purpose of sidelights, outline the specific situations where their use is mandated or recommended, and highlight the potential consequences of getting it wrong.

What Exactly Are Sidelights?

Your vehicle's sidelights, also known as parking lights, are a pair of low-intensity lights, typically one at each corner of the front and rear of the vehicle. They are designed to make your vehicle more visible to others, particularly when parked or when visibility is reduced but not so poor that full headlights are necessary. In the UK, sidelights are generally white or amber at the front and red at the rear, illuminating to a limited distance.

The Primary Purpose of Sidelights

The fundamental role of sidelights is to enhance your vehicle's visibility when stationary or moving at very low speeds in specific conditions. They are not intended for illuminating the road ahead; that is the job of your headlights. Instead, they serve as a passive safety measure, alerting other road users to your presence.

When Should You Use Car Sidelights?

The UK's Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, and subsequent amendments, provide clear guidelines on the use of vehicle lighting. Sidelights are primarily used in the following scenarios:

1. When Parked on a Road at Night

This is perhaps the most common and important use of sidelights. If your vehicle is parked on a road or in a lay-by between sunset and sunrise (or at any other time when visibility is poor), and it is not illuminated by streetlights, you must use your sidelights. This rule applies if the speed limit of the road is over 30 mph. If the speed limit is 30 mph or less, you are not required to use sidelights, but it is still good practice to do so if street lighting is inadequate.

Key Considerations for Parking Lights:

• Street Lighting: The crucial factor is whether the street lighting is sufficient to make your vehicle visible. If streetlights are present and functioning, you may not need sidelights. However, if they are dim, spaced far apart, or not working, sidelights become essential.
• Road Type: The 30 mph speed limit is a key differentiator. On faster roads, visibility is paramount, hence the requirement.
• Vehicle Position: Ensure your sidelights are correctly positioned to be visible from the front and rear.

2. In Conditions of Seriously Reduced Visibility (but not Fog Lights)

While headlights are essential for most poor visibility conditions, there are specific instances where sidelights might be considered, though often not the primary or best solution. The regulations state that you must use your headlights (dipped beams) when:

• It is dark (between sunset and sunrise).
• Visibility is seriously reduced (e.g., heavy rain, snow, fog, or mist).

In such scenarios, relying solely on sidelights is generally not advisable for moving vehicles. Sidelights do not illuminate the road ahead and are intended for making the vehicle's presence known, not for the driver to see. If visibility is seriously reduced, you should be using your dipped headlights. Front and rear fog lights should be used when visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres.

However, there might be very specific, limited circumstances where a driver might use sidelights *in conjunction with* other lights, or in transitional conditions. For example, if you are moving very slowly in a well-lit area with intermittent patches of poor visibility, and you don't want to dazzle other drivers with dipped headlights, sidelights might be momentarily considered. This is a nuanced situation, and the default for reduced visibility should always be dipped headlights.

3. When Parking on the Road During the Day (Less Common)

In some countries, sidelights are used during the day to improve visibility, especially in poor weather. In the UK, this is not a mandatory requirement for moving vehicles during daylight hours, unless specified by the manufacturer or for specific vehicle types. However, some drivers may choose to use them in very bright sunlight or dusty conditions to enhance their vehicle's profile. This is generally a matter of personal choice and not a legal requirement.

When NOT to Use Sidelights

It's equally important to know when sidelights are inappropriate:

• On the Move in Normal Conditions: When driving in normal daylight or at night on roads where you need to see the road ahead, you should use your dipped headlights. Sidelights do not provide adequate illumination for safe driving.
• Instead of Fog Lights: If visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres due to fog, mist, or heavy snow, you must use your front and rear fog lights (if fitted) in addition to your dipped headlights. Sidelights are insufficient.
• When Headlights are Required: If the conditions necessitate the use of headlights (i.e., it's dark or visibility is seriously reduced), sidelights alone are not enough for safe driving.

Comparison: Sidelights vs. Headlights vs. Fog Lights

To further clarify their roles, here's a brief comparison:

Penalties for Misuse

Failing to use your lights correctly can result in a fixed penalty notice, which usually carries a fine and penalty points on your driving licence. Driving with only sidelights on when dipped headlights are required is a common offence. The police can stop you if they believe your vehicle's lighting is inadequate. It's essential to be aware of the rules to avoid these penalties and, more importantly, to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I drive using only my sidelights?

A1: Generally, no. You should only use sidelights when parked on a road at night under specific conditions. When moving, you must use dipped headlights if it is dark or visibility is seriously reduced.

Q2: When are sidelights mandatory when parked?

A2: Sidelights are mandatory when parked on a road or in a lay-by between sunset and sunrise if the speed limit for the road exceeds 30 mph, and the vehicle is not illuminated by streetlights.

Q3: Do I need to use sidelights in fog?

A3: No. In fog or seriously reduced visibility (less than 100 metres), you must use your dipped headlights and, if fitted, your front and rear fog lights. Sidelights are insufficient.

Q4: Are sidelights the same as daytime running lights?

A4: No. Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are a separate system designed to make vehicles more visible during daylight hours. Sidelights are primarily for parking and low-visibility conditions at night.

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly applying the use of your car's sidelights is a fundamental aspect of safe driving and legal compliance in the UK. While they may seem minor, their purpose is significant in specific scenarios, particularly concerning parked vehicles at night. Always err on the side of caution: if in doubt about visibility, use your dipped headlights. Familiarise yourself with the regulations, ensure your lights are in good working order, and make informed decisions to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

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