Gardai are warning motorists to use their headlights correctly as darker and more challenging weather conditions arrive in the coming weeks.
During the week, gardai in Carlow flagged down a vehicle driving up a main road in pitch dark with no lights at all.
The car was subsequently seized and gardai have urged motorists to know when to use their lights or face penalties.
After a similar incident earlier this month, a garda spokesperson said: "We're all more conscious of saving electricity but this does not include the proper and appropriate use of lights at night."
The official advice from the Road Safety Authority says you should use dipped headlights:
just after the beginning (dusk) and before the end (dawn) of lighting-up hours
As long as they are needed to let you see clearly
When stopped in traffic
When meeting other traffic
In built-up areas where there is good street lighting
On continuously lit roads outside built-up areas
When following behind another vehicle
Where there is dense fog
Falling snow or heavy rain
When daylight is fading
Dipped lights will let you see for about 30 metres.
