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DVSA revision material with source-checked Lanekind learning corrections. Lanekind is not a DVSA product and is not endorsed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The Highway Code is Crown copyright, reproduced under the Open Government Licence.

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LanekindThe Highway CodeGeneral rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and ridersRule 113

General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders · Lighting requirements

Rule 113: You MUST ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are…

You MUST

ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise
use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h), or 20mph (32km/h) in Wales, unless otherwise specified
use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226).

Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.

Laws RVLR regs 3, 24 & 25 (In Scotland - RTRA sect 82 (as amended by NRSWA, para 59 of sched 8)), RR(20)O

Source note (app): Rule 113 refreshed from the Department for Transport’s GOV.UK Highway Code, checked 2026-09-06. This corrects the imported passage only; the rest of the archive has not been refreshed. © Crown copyright. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Licence details: The National Archives, Open Government Licence v3.0. No government endorsement is implied.

In the Highway Code, MUST and MUST NOT identify legal requirements. Advice using should, should not, do or do not can still be used as evidence in court proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability. The introduction explains this distinction.

The rules either side

The Code reads in order, and each of these names the rule it goes to rather than saying only ‘next’.

Rule 112: The hornThe rule before this one Rule 114: You MUST NOT use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause…The rule after this one

Lighting requirements

4 rules

The rules the Code files beside this one, in its order.

Rule 113: You MUST ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are…lit between sunset and sunrise use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting.Rule 114: You MUST NOT use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause…discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders use front or rear fog lights unless…Rule 115: You should also use dipped headlightsor dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen keep your…Rule 116: Hazard warning lightsThese may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic.

General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders

Rules 103 to 158

The other groups in this part of the Code, and the rest of it.

Signals4 rules Other stopping procedures6 rules Lighting requirements4 rules Control of the vehicle10 rules Lines and lane markings on the road6 rules Multi-lane carriageways11 rules General advice15 rules

All of General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and ridersRules 103 to 158 on one page Road signs and markingsEvery sign this rule refers to, each one on a page you can link to.