It's that time of year again folks, the clocks are changing again, but this time they're going back which means you'll be treated to an extra hour of sleep. The clocks change at 2am on Sunday, October 30 signalling the official end of British Summer Time.
Many people will have to remind themselves to change clocks around their home and in the car - but there's one other thing you'll need to remember to do following the change. Driving experts have warned motorists to remember to keep an eye on the darker evenings and ensure your headlights are on at the right time or you could potentially face a hefty fine and points on your licence.
Car leasing specialists Rivervale Leasing have previously urged motorists to remember to switch on their headlights when driving in the dark or risk a £5,000 fine and up to nine points - and their advice is proving poignant once again.
Rivervale claims that leaving your driveway without headlights on following the clocks change could land you in trouble.
Motorists who are caught driving without their headlights on in the dark could be charged with Driving Without Due Care And Attention, which could land you a fixed penalty, or you will be summoned to court if the circumstances of the charge can’t be covered by a fixed penalty.
The legal definition of Driving Without Due Care And Attention is that you were "allowing your standard of driving to fall below that of a prudent motorist".
The usual fixed-rate for penalties such as this three points and a £100 fine. However, if the police deem that an offence can't be covered by a fixed penalty, then it can be taken to court.
As a result of this, the biggest fine would be £5,000, while you could also face up to nine points on your licence, community service and even a custodial sentence.
Bud Johnson, Group Marketing Manager at Rivervale Leasing said: "It can be easy to forget to switch your headlights on, especially when you are in a rush! Thankfully most modern cars have the auto setting for headlights, so some drivers won’t have to worry about driving unsafely during dark evenings.
"But whenever it is dark outside, you must remember to always check your headlights are switched on and working properly.
"A great way to get in the habit of using your headlights is to switch your lights on half an hour before the sun sets. If you can’t see further than 100 metres or you feel your view is obscured in any way, use dim headlights."
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