Headlights dazzle me when I drive at night. What can I do?

Glare when driving at night often comes from things you can check yourself: a dirty windshield, glasses or headlights, and eyes that are tired after a long day. Keep the glass and the lights clean, skip tinted "night driving" lenses, and when an oncoming car's lights dazzle you, slow down and stop if you need to. If glare keeps bothering you after that, or your night vision seems to be getting worse, have your eyes checked.

Why do headlights dazzle me more at night?

The US National Institute on Aging (NIA) says that at night you may have trouble seeing things clearly, and that glare from oncoming headlights or streetlights can be a problem. Several everyday things add to it.

A windshield that is not quite clean

The UK Highway Code says windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision, and that lights must be kept clean and clear. Wipe both the outside and the inside of the glass, since the inside smudges too.

Tired, dry eyes

Driving home after a long day at a screen can mean your eyes are already tired. A 2024 review of eye strain from screens says the dry, irritated feeling is closely tied to blinking less often, which lets the surface of the eye dry out.

Eyes take longer to adjust with age

The NIA lists needing more time to adjust to changing levels of light among the common vision changes as people get older. Moving between bright shop signs, dark roads and oncoming headlights can feel harder than it used to.

For close-up things starting to look blurry from around 40, see I'm 40 and close-up things look blurry. What can I do?

What should I check on the car before driving at night?

Use your own lights considerately

The UK Highway Code says you must not use any lights in a way that would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users. It advises using dipped headlights at night in built-up areas, and keeping them dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle. Front or rear fog lights are only for when visibility is seriously reduced, and should be switched off when it improves.

How should I look after my glasses for night driving?

Keep them clean and up to date

Clean your glasses before a night drive, not just in the morning. The NIA advises always wearing your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to see clearly, and making sure your prescription is up to date if you need them to see far away while driving. It also notes that even small changes in sight can increase the risk of falls and injuries, so using the right glasses matters.

Skip tinted "night driving" lenses

Yellow-tinted glasses are often sold for night driving. The UK Highway Code says that at night or in poor visibility, you should not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision. Take sunglasses off as soon as the sun goes down.

What can I do when oncoming headlights dazzle me?

Slow down, and stop if you need to

The Highway Code says to slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights. It also advises driving at a speed that lets you stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. In wet weather, it says stopping distances will be at least double those on dry roads, so slow down more in a downpour.

Avoid the hardest times if night driving is difficult

The NIA suggests cutting back on or stopping driving at night if you have trouble seeing in the dark, and trying to avoid driving at sunrise and sunset, when the sun can be directly in your line of vision.

Keep your eyes comfortable

• Blink on purpose on long, straight stretches of road.
• If your eyes are often dry, ask an eye doctor or pharmacist which eye drops suit you and your lenses.

What if my eyes feel heavy and tired on a night drive?

Glare is harder to cope with when you are sleepy. The CDC's NIOSH lists these warning signs of drowsy driving:

• difficulty focusing, frequent blinking or heavy eyelids
• yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
• not remembering the last few kilometres, or missing turns and signs
• drifting out of your lane or onto the rumble strip

The CDC says the only safe thing to do when you start to feel tired at the wheel is to get off the road and rest until you are no longer sleepy, and that turning up the radio, opening the window or turning up the air conditioning have not been found to work. It also advises getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep and avoiding alcohol before driving. The UK Highway Code recommends a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. On a long trip upcountry, plan stops at petrol stations along the way, or share the driving.

When should I get my eyes checked?

Book an eye check

• Glare, halos around lights or trouble seeing dimly lit objects keep bothering you after you have cleaned the windshield and your glasses.
• You feel your night vision is getting worse. The NIA advises asking your eye doctor whether it is safe for you to drive with your vision.
• You are 60 or older. The NIA advises a dilated eye exam every one to two years from that age.

Go straight away

The NIA advises seeing an eye care professional right away if you suddenly cannot see, or everything looks blurry, or you see flashes of light or many new floating specks. Do not drive yourself if your vision has suddenly changed.