New driving rules could soon be introduced to tackle bright vehicle headlights after research found the vast majority of British drivers have been dazzled by bright lights from oncoming cars.
It comes after experts called for tougher controls on LED headlight brightness after a major survey revealed that glare has become a serious road safety concern rather than a minor irritation.
A study found that 92 per cent of motorists have been blinded by headlights while driving at night, with more than four in five drivers saying the problem has become worse in recent years.
The findings follow a Government-commissioned investigation into headlight glare, which looks to identify the main causes and impacts of the issue.
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Ian Wilson, Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk, warned that the issue is now affecting almost everyone on the road.
"What used to be an occasional annoyance has now become a widespread safety concern affecting almost every driver on the road," he said.
The survey also highlighted worrying safety consequences, as nearly three-quarters of drivers admitted they had slowed down or stopped completely after being temporarily blinded by headlights.
Experts said even a brief loss of vision can be dangerous, particularly on fast roads, rural routes, or during bad weather when reaction times are already reduced.
The report found that nine in 10 drivers have been impacted by headlight glare
| PA/GETTYThe problem has been made worse by the growing number of SUVs and larger vehicles, which sit higher on the road, as the elevated headlights often shine directly into the eye line of drivers in smaller, lower cars.
LED headlights, while offering improved visibility for the driver using them, are far brighter than traditional bulbs.
Mr Wilson said existing rules have failed to keep up with modern technology. "LED technology has made headlights brighter and more efficient, but it's clear that regulations haven't kept pace with the technology," he said.
Separate research by Confused.com supports these concerns, showing that more than half of motorists believe LED headlights on newer vehicles are too bright.
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Headlight glare can cause drivers to lose focus while travelling on roads | GETTYRhydian Jones, motor expert at Confused.com, said the Government has already recognised the problem and has chosen to act.
He said: "In response to these issues, the Government have announced proposals to gather better data on drivers' experiences of glare, increasing public awareness of when glare is most likely to occur, and carrying out further research into vehicle design.
"It's positive to see that the Government are taking this issue of road safety seriously, and setting out sensible steps towards tackling real concerns."
The Tiger.co.uk survey questioned 1,000 motorists across Britain in October 2025 and showed how glare has shifted from being a nuisance to a genuine hazard.
Experts warned drivers of the impact headlight glare has on UK roads
| PA"Our survey shows that most motorists have experienced being dazzled, and many have even had to slow down or stop their cars as a result," Mr Wilson said.
He warned that such incidents could have serious consequences, especially on high-speed roads or in difficult driving conditions.
Until any new regulations are introduced, experts have urged drivers to take practical steps to reduce the risks.
Mr Wilson added that motorists should regularly check their headlight alignment, dip their beams quickly when approaching other vehicles, and ensure replacement bulbs are suitable for their car.