Spain’s DGT shares driving advice ahead of darker evenings. Credit : revista.dgt.es
Drivers in Spain are being urged to check their dashboard brightness as the clocks go back this weekend, with the DGT warning that bright interior screens can make it harder to adjust to darkness outside.
In advice published on October 23, the DGT recommends dimming dashboard and infotainment displays to a level that still allows drivers to read the speedometer clearly.
The reminder comes as Spain prepares to turn its clocks back on Sunday, October 25. At 3am, clocks in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands will return to 2am. In the Canary Islands, 2am becomes 1am.
Mornings will become lighter and evenings darker earlier by the clock, meaning some familiar journeys home will take place in different lighting conditions.
Why dashboard brightness matters after dark
A display that works well during daylight can become an overly bright light source inside the car at night. The DGT explains that this can interfere with the driver’s adjustment to the darkness beyond the windscreen.
Adjusting screen brightness is one of four seasonal recommendations, alongside checking headlights, cleaning glass and paying closer attention to vulnerable road users.
The authority highlights the importance of cleaning the inside of the windscreen, where a film can scatter light and create distracting halos. It also urges extra care around bus stops, pedestrian crossings and parked cars, where people may emerge into the road.
Give yourself more time to react
The dashboard check fits into the DGT’s wider guidance on driving at night, which recommends adjusting speed to the available light and increasing the gap behind the vehicle ahead.
The practical principle is to drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the stretch of road you can see illuminated. A familiar route still requires attention when visibility changes.
Headlight alignment matters too. Lights should provide a useful view ahead without dazzling other motorists, while correctly adjusted mirrors can help manage glare from vehicles behind.
Tiredness is another reason to change your plans. The DGT advises travelling well rested and finding a safe place to stop if you experience sleepiness, eye fatigue or watering eyes. Its guidance also recommends choosing well-lit roads in good condition where possible.
For drivers preparing for their first evening journey after the change, checking the car before setting off is a useful starting point. Locate the brightness controls while parked, make sure the instruments remain easy to read and leave time for the journey without rushing.