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By Jeremy Powell · 2 November 2026 · 3 minute read
To the bloke I followed down the country lanes the other night: I wasn’t trying to race you, rob you or summon the mothership. I just wanted you to turn your lights on. 😂
I spent several miles behind a car on pitch-black country lanes, flashing my headlights like an absolute lunatic. From where I was sitting, there were no rear lights on at all. The driver was happily carrying on with daytime running lights, apparently unaware that the back of the car was dark.
The dashboard was probably doing a lovely Christmas-tree impression. From the front, everything may have looked fine. From behind, it was a mobile stealth vehicle, with me attempting Morse code using my main beam.
Before anyone reaches for the Highway Code: yes, Rule 110 says a headlight flash is for making other road users aware of your presence, not sending messages or intimidating them. My Morse-code performance wasn’t the example to follow. Keep a safe distance; don’t copy the flashing or try to confront another driver.
But the point behind my impromptu mobile lighthouse service stands: a bright dashboard does not mean your bloody headlights are on.
DRLs are not your night-time lights
Daytime running lights help other road users notice the front of your vehicle during daylight. On many vehicles, the rear position lights are not illuminated when only the DRLs are on. Some vehicles do illuminate them, so this is something to check on your own car or van, not a claim about every model.
If you’ve wondered “why my rear lights don’t work”, the light-switch setting is a useful first check. Rear lamps that are off in DRL mode but come on with dipped headlights may be behaving exactly as designed. Rear lamps that stay dark with the proper lights selected need checking.
DRLs also aren’t a substitute for dipped headlights illuminating the road ahead. Having some light in front of you doesn’t prove you’ve selected the lighting needed for darkness.
Why the dashboard can fool you
Many cars illuminate their instruments with the ignition on, even when the main lights aren’t selected. A dashboard that adjusts its own brightness can make the change from daylight less obvious too. Don’t use its brightness as your lighting indicator.
Learn the symbols in your handbook while parked. A green dipped-headlight tell-tale, where fitted, is different from the blue main-beam symbol. Cars vary: a green lighting symbol may indicate sidelights rather than dipped headlights. Check the actual symbol and switch position instead of assuming green means everything is sorted.
The same goes for Auto. It may respond to light levels without recognising a problem such as daytime spray. Understand what your particular system does, and select dipped headlights manually when needed rather than relying on the dashboard.
Check what people behind you can see
Park somewhere safe, secure the vehicle and follow the handbook’s instructions for operating its lights. Compare what lights up in DRL mode with what lights up after you manually select dipped headlights. Use a helper if opening a door or leaving the driver’s seat changes the lights.
A shop window or garage door can help you see the front lights’ reflection while safely parked. That doesn’t prove the rear lamps are on: walk round or ask your helper to check those separately. Don’t watch reflections while driving or stand behind a vehicle that could move.
This is the sort of quick check I’d suggest as a vehicle technician and MOT tester. It takes very little effort and removes the guesswork. Vehicle-specific DRL behaviour must be checked against its handbook.
Darkness, fog and spray need a deliberate check
Highway Code Rule 113 covers lighting at night, and Rule 115 advises dipped headlights in dull daytime conditions. Rule 226 requires headlights when visibility becomes seriously restricted, generally meaning you cannot see beyond 100 metres. Use the correct lighting for the conditions, not just whichever lamps came on automatically.
For a tradesperson leaving early or heading home in a van after dark, make the check part of setting off. If the rear lights still don’t work with dipped headlights selected, arrange a garage inspection rather than assuming it’s just the DRLs.
And to that driver: no hard feelings. I’d just rather see your rear lights than spend another journey looking like an unpaid lighthouse operator.
Sources checked 2 November 2026; publication review still required: Highway Code Rules 110 and 113–115; Rule 226; GOV.UK daytime running lights guidance. Anecdote supplied by Jeremy Powell; no identity, vehicle registration or additional incident details added.
These are basic checks, not a substitute for a garage inspection. The Highway Code on GOV.UK is the authority on the rules.
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I followed a driver for several miles down pitch-black country lanes with no rear lights on. His daytime running lights were working, but from behind he was a mobile stealth vehicle. My attempted headlight Morse code wasn’t the answer: Highway Code Rule 110 reserves flashing for making others aware of your presence, not sending messages. Keep a safe distance instead. On many cars, DRLs don’t illuminate the rear lamps, and a glowing dashboard doesn’t prove your dipped headlights are on. Park safely, select dipped headlights manually and check the rear lights separately. Learn what Auto does on your vehicle, using its handbook. Rule 226 requires headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres. If the rear lamps stay dark with dipped headlights selected, get them checked. A bright dashboard is no substitute for being visible. Please check before your next journey, especially if you’re heading out before sunrise.
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