Motorways at night

Use your headlights

Always use your headlights, even on motorways that are lit. Use dipped beam if you’re likely to dazzle drivers ahead or oncoming drivers, particularly on a left-hand curve.

If you’re dazzled

You may have to slow down, but don’t brake too hard; there might be a vehicle behind you.

Judging speed

It’s harder to judge speed and distance both on a motorway and at night.

If you change lanes to overtake, or to leave the motorway, use your indicators earlier and give yourself even more time.

Reflective road studs

These can help you determine the road layout. Their positions are as follows.

• Red Between hard shoulder and carriageway.
• White Between lanes.
• Amber Between edge of carriageway and central reservation.
• Green Between carriageway and slip-road exits and entrances.
• Fluorescent green/yellow At contraflow systems and roadworks.