us Transport & mobility emergencies headlights not working • rear lights not working • taillights out • brake lights check • lights failed before night drive • realised just before driving • driving at night lights broken • car lights suddenly stopped • low beams not working • high beams not working • parking lights only confusion • automatic headlights not turning on • daytime running lights only • blown fuse for lights • bulb failure headlight • both headlights out • both taillights out • license plate light out • vehicle lighting failure • night driving visibility

What to do if…
your headlights or rear lights stop working and you realise just before driving at night

Short answer

Don’t drive on public roads at night unless your headlights and rear lights are clearly working. Park, make the vehicle visible while stopped if needed, and switch to a safer plan or call for help.

Do not do these things

Don’t assume daytime running lights mean your taillights are on — many cars don’t light the rear in DRL mode.
Don’t try to “get home quick” on back roads with no lights — that’s when you’re hardest to see.
Don’t use hazard flashers as a substitute for working headlights/taillights while driving (hazards are for being stopped/disabled).
Don’t do electrical work in the dark at the roadside (pulling panels, probing wiring).
Don’t ask someone to stand behind the vehicle in traffic to check lights.

What to do now

Make a safe pause first.
Park somewhere safe and well-lit if possible. Set the parking brake. If you’re stopped in a place where other drivers might not see you, turn on hazard flashers while stationary.
Force the lights on (don’t trust Auto).
Switch headlights from AUTO to ON, then check: low beams, high beams, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards, and the license plate light.
Confirm rear visibility (a common gotcha).
Walk behind the car and confirm taillights are lit. If you’re alone, use your phone camera (video/selfie) to check for light reflections while the car is parked, or ask a nearby person to confirm only if they can do so from a safe spot (not in traffic).
Do the “one vs both” check to decide whether to stop.
- One headlight/one taillight out: often a bulb.
- Both headlights out or both taillights out: more likely fuse/relay/switch/electrical — treat this as do not drive tonight.
Only attempt the simplest, lowest-risk fix (in a safe, well-lit place).
If your owner’s manual clearly shows the lighting fuse and you have the correct spare, replace a blown fuse with the same rating. If it blows again or nothing changes, stop — don’t keep trying.
Switch to an alternative plan (the safest “fix”).
Use ride share, taxi, public transit, or get a lift. If you must relocate the car, do so only on private property (driveway/parking lot) or wait until daylight.
If you’re away from home, call help instead of driving unlit.
Contact roadside assistance (your insurer/auto club) or a nearby repair shop. If you feel unsafe where you are, it can be safer to stay in the vehicle with doors locked while you arrange help, when that’s the safest option.

What can wait

You don’t need to pinpoint whether it’s a relay, wiring, or a control module tonight.
You don’t need to shop for upgraded bulbs or plan a bigger repair right now.
You don’t need to debate “how far you can risk it” — if the lights aren’t clearly working, your job is to not drive.

Important reassurance

Noticing this right before leaving is frustrating, but it’s also the best moment to catch it — before you’re on a dark road with other drivers unable to see you. Choosing a different ride is often the quickest way to stop the situation escalating.

Scope note

These are first steps to keep you safe and prevent a high-risk night drive. If it’s not a simple bulb or fuse issue, a mechanic may need to diagnose it.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal advice. Lighting rules and enforcement vary by state, but driving at night without working lights is unsafe everywhere. If you’re not sure your lights are functioning properly, treat that uncertainty as “not safe to drive.”

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What to do if…your headlights or rear lights stop working and you realise just before driving at night