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Blackout rules for lights from vehicles in WW2 UK

Blackout rules for cars and bicycles in WW2

The blackout regulations for vehicles in World War Two were necessary to prevent enemy aircraft seeing lights that would suggest a populated area or factory for bombing. This page lists the requirements for dimming the lights on bicycles and motor vehicles like cars, and it describes and illustrates how they worked in practice.

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By the webmaster, based childhood observations and additional research

How bicycle lights were dimmed and masked in the blackout

At the end of this section is a poster on blackout regulations for bicycles. Here are its main points:

As a young child, I knew nothing of these regulations and was seldom out after dark. Nevertheless, I do remember seeing the white patches on the backs of mudguards of bicycles. I assumed, at the time, that it was simply fashion.

Dipped front bicycle light for blackout regulations

Dipped front bicycle light for blackout regulations, as instructed in the above poster. Note its 'camouflage' colour.

Poster labelling the requirements for dimming bicycle lights in the WW2 blackout

The poster on obeying blackout regulations for a bicycle. It enlarges to a legible size on tap/click. The logo on the lower right is of the Cyclists' Touring Club.

How car lights were dimmed and masked in the blackout

For cars and presumably for other vehicles - there was the requirement of good tyres and brakes, a clean windscreen and for doors to be locked for parking with the ignition key removed. Cars were not be left outside overnight.

The rules specifically for the blackout were stringent:

Poster labelling the requirements for dimming car lights in the WW2 blackout

Poster showing blackout rules for bicycles.

Masks for car headlamps used in the WW2 blackout 1 of 2
Masks for car headlamps used in the WW2 blackout 2 of 2

Two types of masks for vehicle headlamps - slits and shades. Screenshots from wartime films.

If you can add anything to this page or provide a photo, I would be pleased if you would contact me.

Text and images are copyright

sources: early 20th century material      sources: ww2 home front and other material     contact
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