What to do if…
your headlights or rear lights are not working before you drive at night

What to do now

1. Make a safe pause first.
   Park somewhere safe and well-lit if you can. Put the vehicle in park, set the parking brake, and turn on hazard flashers while stopped if other drivers may have trouble seeing you.

2. Turn the lights fully on, not Auto.
   Move the light switch from AUTO to ON. Check low beams, high beams, rear running lights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard flashers, and the rear license plate light.

3. Confirm the rear lights, because this is easy to miss.
   Walk behind the parked vehicle only if it is safe to do so. If you are alone, use your phone camera, a shop window, a wall, or another reflective surface to check whether the rear lights are actually lit.

4. Treat a wider failure as a stop sign.
   One failed headlight or one failed rear light can be a bulb problem. Both headlights out, both rear lights out, or lights that flicker or switch off again may point to a fuse, relay, switch, wiring, or control problem; treat the vehicle as not safe for a night drive unless the lights are repaired and confirmed.

5. Only try the simplest safe fix.
   In a safe, well-lit place, check the owner’s manual for the correct lighting fuse or bulb. If you replace a fuse, use the same rating only. If it blows again, or if you are not sure, stop and arrange help.

6. Use another way to travel.
   Use a taxi, rideshare, public transit, or a lift from someone else. If the car only needs moving out of the way, keep it to private property such as a driveway or parking lot, or wait until daylight if that is safer.

7. Call for help if you are stuck away from home.
   Contact roadside assistance, your insurer’s assistance line, an auto club, or a nearby repair shop. If the place you stopped feels unsafe, move to the safest nearby lit public place if you can do that without driving unlit on public roads.