Drivers warned on Euro lights switch
Adaptors’ instructions are too baffling for motorists. Get experts to do it – or face massive fines abroad.
Motorists have been warned not to fit headlight adaptors for driving on the Continent themselves. The advice comes from the AA, and follows an investigation by Auto Express, which revealed more than half of drivers heading for Europe can’t mount them properly!
Adaptors have to be fitted to prevent foreign motorists from being dazzled by UK lights, which are designed to ‘kick up’ to the left to make signs easier to read on British roads. However, when driving on the right, these shine into oncoming drivers’ eyes.
If you are stopped by European police, you could be fined up to £710 if you don’t have the kit, or it’s fitted incorrectly. And insurers will only provide third party cover if you don’t have them and are involved in an accident. The AA’s technical specialist Vanessa Guyll said: “It’s too difficult for people to fit adaptors to modern lights. Lamp lenses frequently have no guides, and the bulbs themselves are often not set directly in line with the glass. So if you align the adaptor with the bulb as on the diagram, they will not be in the right place.”
She advised holidaymakers to have them fitted at a garage instead: “An MoT beam tester has to be used to ensure light kick-up is eliminated."
