Can You Drive With One Headlight During The Day?

Driving with your headlights turned on is mandatory at night only, except in some peculiar situations where visibility is impaired in the day due to fog, smoke or any other thing. At such times, you could get pulled over and punished for driving with only one headlight in the day. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong if you drive with only one headlight in the day, but you should endeavour to get the problem solved as soon as possible for your sake and others as well.

In the rest of the article, you will find more details about driving with one headlight during the day and also answers to other related questions.

Is it okay to drive with one headlight in the day?

Yes, it is okay if you drive with one headlight during the day, except in rear situations where visibility is impaired for several reasons which may include mist in the air or fog. At such times, and in order to improve your visibility, you should turn on your headlights. However, outside such rare situations, it is not an offence if you drive with one headlight in the day, but you should fix the problem without any delay.

What can make one headlight go out?

There are several reasons that can make one or both headlights go out. Some of these reasons are bad fuses, switches or even faulty relays too. Other causes of lights going out are bad or faulty connections or burnt and spent electric bulbs. Whenever you notice a none functional headlight in your car, seek the assistance of any auto electrician closest to you if all DIY procedures fail to solve the problem.

What to do if one of your headlights is out?

If one of your headlights is out, the first and most important thing is to get it fixed after you might have ascertained what caused it in the first place so as to guard against any premature recurrence as much as possible. Should you fail to get the issue solved, you risk being punished in violation of a primary traffic law operational all over the world.

Can I have one headlight brighter than the other?

Yes, it is possible to have one headlight brighter than the other. Some of the most common reasons why one headlight may be brighter than the other are that the bulb of the dimmer headlight may be reaching the end of its life, or it could have a weakened ballast, or may possibly have a poor connection or ground. At certain times, bulbs may shine differently and indeed appear as though one is brighter than the other if you are using different bulbs or the bulbs are reaching towards the end of their shelf lives or both. In such situations, get the bulbs promptly replaced with good ones.

What should you do if you see someone driving with one headlight in the day?

It is not uncommon to see cars going along with one headlight in the day. This in itself is not a problem or against any known law since functional headlights are required only at night. Regardless of this provision, however, you are strongly advised to get all such faulty headlights fixed without delay in order to avoid being found out during routine vehicle inspection. Where it may become an issue is whenever visibility is impaired in the day for any reason that may necessitate the use of your headlight in the day.

Is it illegal to drive with one headlight during the day?

Yes, it is illegal to drive with one headlight even during the day. However, the chances of you getting punished for it is almost totally none existent except in some rare situations. All the same, you are recommended to see that your headlights are fixed without any delay if they have a fault, just in case.

Conclusion

All vehicles, with the exception of only motorcycles, are mandated to have at least two headlights. Therefore, since there is a penalty attached to it, you must not for any reason drive at night with one or both headlights not in good condition. Doing this is tantamount to disobeying the law, a situation that can cause you to be punished in any of several ways. Therefore, you should promptly fix all headlight related complaints in your car.