Use of Horns and Lights
- 1/24The horn should only be used to
Horns are not for aggression or impatience. Use only when necessary to prevent an accident or alert others to your presence.
You must not use the horn between
This quiet period reduces noise pollution at night. Exceptions apply in emergency situations to avoid collisions.
The correct use of dipped headlights is
Dipped beams help you see without dazzling others. Use them during rain, fog, dusk, dawn, or nighttime driving.
Full headlights should be dimmed
Always switch to dipped lights to avoid blinding other drivers. Dazzling others is dangerous and against Irish law.
You should flash your headlights to
This is appropriate instead of using the horn in some cases. Never flash to signal someone to proceed.It may mislead.
You should never use fog lights unless
Rear and front fog lights can dazzle others and are only for severe weather. Turn them off when visibility improves.
You must turn on your lights during the day when
Daytime running lights or dipped beams improve your visibility to others. It is a legal safety requirement.
Parking lights must be used at night if
This helps other road users see your car. On narrow or unlit roads, use them even if the area seems quiet.
Daytime running lights DRLs are designed to
These low-energy lights come on automatically in modern vehicles. They help others see you more easily in traffic.
You should not sound your horn when
Horn use must be purposeful. Avoid unnecessary noise, especially near schools, hospitals, or during congestion.
Full headlights are typically used on
Only use full beam when no vehicles are ahead or approaching. Be prepared to dip quickly when needed.
If your lights fail at night while driving
Driving without lights is extremely dangerous. Do not continue driving.Seek assistance or repairs.
When driving in a tunnel, you should
Tunnels can be darker even in daylight. Use your lights to ensure you are visible to others in enclosed spaces.
If another driver flashes their lights at you
They may be alerting you to a hazard, not waving you through. Always check traffic before moving.
You may use hazard warning lights when
They alert others to your presence. Do not use them while driving, except in emergencies like motorway sudden stops.
Lights should be cleaned and checked
Dirty or broken lights reduce visibility and make your vehicle harder to see. It is your responsibility to maintain them.
You must not drive at night without
This is a serious offence. You must always ensure your headlights, brake lights, and indicators are working correctly.
When parking on an unlit road at night, you should
This ensures your vehicle is visible to other drivers. In badly lit or rural areas, it is vital to prevent collisions.
Lights that dazzle others can
Always dip your lights early when meeting oncoming traffic. Dazzling is unsafe and can lead to road rage or crashes.
To improve safety in rain or spray conditions
They help you see the road and be seen by others. Avoid full beams in rain as they reflect back and reduce visibility.
You should use your horn when
It is a quick alert to prevent danger. Use short beeps. Never prolonged horn blasts that may scare others.
If your vehicle has automatic lighting, you should still
Sensors may not detect fog or tunnels correctly. Be proactive in ensuring you are properly lit for the situation.
Headlight alignment must be checked
Misaligned headlights can dazzle others or reduce your vision. Regular checks ensure compliance and safety.
You should use side/parking lights when
Even brief stops require visibility. Use these to alert other drivers, especially if you are on a narrow or fast-moving road.