Here’s why you shouldn’t drive with a broken headlight
These days, it's pretty rare to see a car with a broken headlight. Many newer models have sensors that alert the driver before a replacement is needed, so you can get a new headlight in before the old one is burnt out. Plus, most modern automotive headlights are made of virtually indestructible plastic. That said, all headlights will eventually need to be swapped out, and older headlights can still break, burn out, or degrade over time.
While you might feel capable of navigating the roads with only one functioning headlight, it’s never advisable. In this article, we'll review why and what you can do to make sure you stay safe on the road.
It’s not safe.
First and foremost, it’s not safe to drive with a broken headlight. Driving with only one headlight significantly reduces your visibility which impairs your ability to see the road fully. This can become especially dangerous if you encounter unexpected obstacles.You’ll probably get a ticket.
Most states require drivers to use their headlights from sunset to sunrise. It’s also law that all motor vehicles, except motorcycles, must have two headlights. So, if you have a faulty or burnt-out headlight, it is very likely that you’ll get pulled over. If it’s recently gone out or you had no idea it was out, the officer may let you off with a simple notice to fix the violation with a small fine. But, you can be given both a notice to correct and to appear in court. This means that, in addition to addressing the violation, you’ll need to pay a larger fine, and the violation may show up on your record. Alternatively, if your headlight is broken, even if it’s working, you could get cited for having a “dangerous vehicle,” which not only carries a hefty fine but could add points to your license.Broken Headlight Repair At V&F
The best way to avoid a broken headlight is to follow a regular maintenance schedule. If your headlight does break, changing it immediately will be well worth it. At V&F, our top priority is keeping our customers safe on the road. Since 1988, our family-owned and operated service center has been providing top-quality auto repair services to Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick, West Springfield, and the surrounding Massachusetts communities. If your car needs maintenance or repair, call us at (413)314-2280 or schedule an appointment online. Ready to schedule your appointment?
This article was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.