When Should I Use My Sidelights?
Ah, the weather—a classic British conversation starter. Yet, when the skies turn grey, life continues, and so do our journeys. Unfortunately, poor weather can significantly impact our driving, particularly our ability to see and be seen.
This is where your sidelights come into play. It’s essential to understand how to use your car’s lights responsibly and legally, whatever the conditions beyond your windscreen. You’re likely familiar with headlights and how they cut through the gloom. But how much do you really know about sidelights?
Whether you’re preparing for your theory test or looking for practical driving tips, we’ll explain when to use sidelights, how they differ from other lights, and their importance—even when your car is parked.
What are sidelights, and how do they differ from headlights?
Sidelights, sometimes referred to as parking lights, are positioned at the four corners of your car.
- At the front, they are typically housed within the same unit as your regular headlights and emit a dim white light.
- At the back, they illuminate red tail lights and the rear number plate when switched on.
Sidelights produce a much dimmer light compared to headlights or full beams because they’re not designed to illuminate the road. Instead, they help make your vehicle visible to others. This lower intensity also means they use significantly less power, which is useful for situations when your car is stationary.
Dashboard symbol for sidelights
When you turn on your sidelights—usually via a stalk on the steering column or a separate dial—you’ll see the sidelight symbol on your dashboard. This symbol resembles two semi-circular shapes emitting light beams.
When should I use sidelights?
Although sidelights don’t provide the same visibility as headlights, they serve several essential purposes:
1. To keep yourself visible
While small, sidelights are highly effective for ensuring other road users can see you. They’re particularly useful during intermediate conditions—not dark enough for headlights but not bright enough for clear visibility.
Sidelights help others judge your distance, speed, and the type of vehicle you’re driving. Their placement at the corners of your car also shows its width, ensuring passing vehicles give you adequate space.
This makes them ideal for dull, overcast days—something we’re all too familiar with in the UK.
2. As parking lights
You should always turn off your headlights when parked to avoid dazzling others. However, sidelights are designed for parking, especially at night.
Under the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (1989), it is illegal to park without using your sidelights in certain conditions:
- Between sunset and sunrise
- On roads or lay-bys with speed limits over 30 mph
- When not parked in a designated space
For instance, if you’re parked on a rural road with a 60 mph limit, sidelights must be left on overnight to prevent collisions. Failing to do so can result in a fine.
3. As a backup
Driving with faulty headlights is illegal, but sidelights can provide a temporary solution if a headlight bulb fails mid-journey.
While sidelights won’t offer much visibility, they help make your vehicle’s width apparent to others, reducing the risk of accidents. Use them only as a stopgap until you can replace the faulty headlight.
Common questions about sidelights
1. Will leaving sidelights on overnight drain the battery?
Sidelights are specifically designed to use minimal power. You can leave them on for several hours without significantly draining the battery. However, to avoid any issues, turn them off in the morning, as your car’s engine will recharge the battery once restarted.
2. Is it legal to drive with sidelights at night?
You can legally drive using sidelights at night on well-lit roads with a speed limit of 30 mph or less. However, headlights are usually more effective in such situations, so it’s better to use them instead.
3. Do cars with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) still need sidelights?
Many modern cars (manufactured since 2011) come equipped with DRLs. These low-wattage lights automatically turn on with the engine and increase visibility. However, DRLs don’t illuminate your tail lights, making sidelights the better choice in poor weather.
4. Do sidelights need to work to pass an MOT?
Yes, all sidelights must be functional to pass an MOT. They should illuminate promptly and evenly from an easily accessible switch. Regular cleaning of your lights is also essential, especially during winter, to prevent dirt and grime from reducing their effectiveness.
Final tips from Leo Driving School
Sidelights play a critical role in ensuring safety on the road. Whether it’s gloomy weather, night-time parking, or a headlight failure, these lights help keep you and other road users safe.
At Leo Driving School, we encourage all our learners to familiarise themselves with the proper use of their vehicle’s lights. Confidently mastering sidelights is just one step towards becoming a safer, more responsible driver.