Drivers warned over simple headlight mistake that could see them hit with a £1,000 fine

DRIVERS have been warned over a simple headlight mistake that could cost them a £1,000 fine.

As winter approaches drivers must pay more attention to their car's lights in order to drive safely and avoid unexpected fines.

Since 2011, all new cars in the UK must have daytime running lights - or DLRs - which activate automatically when the engine starts.

These lights are designed to increase visibility and reduce accidents during the day.

But, in many cases, they don't activate automatically at the rear

Experts fear that some drivers believe using daytime running lights is enough when driving at night.

If the police catch you using the DRLs lights rather than your dipped headlights you could be fined £1,000.

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Leasing said: "DRLs have been helping to improve road safety for more than a decade now. 

"But I’d urge motorists to understand precisely how they work and what job they’re supposed to do. 

"Here at Select, we’ve heard countless reports of people failing to illuminate their headlights and taillights while driving in poor visibility in recent weeks, and there is a fear motorists might mistakenly believe that their DRLs are sufficient in those sorts of conditions.

"They’re not! 

"We had a rash of reports during last week’s rain storms, with drivers taking to spray-engulfed motorways with just their DRLs lit - which is obviously incredibly dangerous."

Graham urges motorists to remember that the DRL system doesn't automatically activate the rear lights in many cars.

The Highway Code states that you must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see more than 100 metres.