Motorway is pitch black

[Unfortunatelynot]

Why and when did the highway agency decide to turn the motorway lights off?
AIBU to think driving at 50-70mph in the dark feels treacherous?

Headlight alignment has been part of the MOT test since 2016.

I suspect the worst offenders are the brand-new cars which are MOT exempt and therefore not actually checked until they are three years old.

I started driving in the 1970s and headlamp alignment has been part of the MoT for as long as I can remember.

The parameters for checking it were changed slightly in 2016. No new equipment was needed.

I know, I can’t (or perhaps that should be can) believe the number of posts suggesting to put full beams on. I’ve driven on motorways in the wee small hours every day of the week. There are always other vehicles in my experience. You’d be dipping them every few seconds, assuming you are aware about not dazzling other drivers.

It’s against the law and the Highway Code to use full beams in the way these posters have advised. For the law, it’s The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 regulations 24 and 27. Effectively you’re causing a headlamp to be used in a manner that will cause undue dazzle or discomfort to others.

Highway Code Rule 114:
You MUST NOT

• use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users…

Then there is actually quite a significant proportion of people who drive with full beam on when they shouldn’t. I don’t buy the whole brighter modern headlights are the problem thing - I know when a light is pointing directly at my face..

I think it's good. Light pollution is extremely bad for the environment and wildlife, and there must be huge savings in energy costs.