High beams, also known as brights, are a standard feature on cars that help drivers see farther down dark roads at night. However, high beams can also blind oncoming drivers and create dangerous situations. This raises the question – is it actually illegal to drive around using your high beams all the time?
When should you use high beams?
High beams are meant to be used selectively in very dark conditions when there is no oncoming traffic. Here are some guidelines on when high beams should be used:
- Use high beams on dark, rural roads with no other cars around.
- Quickly switch from low to high beams to get the attention of another driver who may not see you.
- Use high beams in heavy rain, snow, or fog when visibility is reduced.
- Use high beams if there are no street lights on an unlit road.
The key is to use high beams only when necessary and switch back to low beams when there is traffic approaching in the opposite direction. High beams should not be used in well-lit areas or when following behind other cars.
When should you avoid using high beams?
There are many situations where high beams should not be used, including:
- When driving in traffic – keep lights on low beam so as not to blind other drivers.
- When approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet – switch to low beam so you don’t blind the other driver.
- In well-lit urban areas where street lighting is sufficient.
- When driving behind another car – use low beams to avoid blinding the car in front.
- In fog, rain, or snow – high beams will reflect off the precipitation and actually reduce visibility further.
- When stopped at an intersection – use low beams so you don’t blind crossing traffic.
The general rule of thumb is to use high beams only when no other drivers will be affected or blinded by the bright light. Switch back to low beams whenever traffic approaches.
Laws on high beam usage
Most states have laws regulating when high beams can and cannot be used. Here are some highlights of high beam laws in the United States:
- It is illegal to use high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. This distance gives the oncoming driver enough time to switch to low beams before being blinded.
- It is illegal to use high beams when following within 300 feet behind another car, as it can blind the driver through their rearview mirror.
- High beams may not be used when driving in fog, as the light scatters and reduces visibility further.
- Flashing high beams at an oncoming car to get their attention is legal, but keeping them on high beam within 500 feet is not.
- Failing to dim high beams for oncoming traffic can result in fines typically between $25 to $300 depending on the state.
So in summary, it is illegal in most states to use high beams within a certain distance of oncoming traffic, as it can dangerously blind other drivers. Fines will apply if drivers fail to dip their high beams when required.
Why you shouldn’t use high beams in traffic
It’s important to understand why high beam usage around other cars is restricted. Here are some key reasons not to use high beams in traffic situations:
- Blinding oncoming drivers can cause them to swerve or lose control of their vehicle.
- High beams reflected in rear view mirrors can impair the vision of drivers ahead.
- Blinding glare makes it impossible for other drivers to see hazards like pedestrians or animals in the roadway.
- Oncoming drivers may flash high beams back at you, creating a dangerous blinding situation for everyone.
- Light scattering in fog or rain makes high beams counterproductive in adverse weather.
For the safety of yourself and everyone else on the road, it’s critical that you dip your high beams when other cars are present. The brief convenience of added visibility is not worth compromising another driver’s vision and road safety.
How to correctly use high beam headlights
Here are some tips on how to use high beam headlights in a safe, considerate, and legal manner:
- Get in the habit of always driving with your headlights on low beam.
- Only toggle your high beams on in areas absent of street lighting and other vehicles.
- Dim your high beams whenever you spot headlights 500 feet away or are within 300 feet of the car ahead.
- Avoid flashing high beams directly into the eyes of other drivers.
- Be vigilant in switching back to low beams well before oncoming traffic becomes blinded.
- Double check that your low beams are working; high beams are never an excuse for neglected headlights.
- Adjust your high beam aim if the center axis is higher than the 50 feet mark for oncoming drivers.
Mastering the quick transition between high and low beams based on traffic is a valuable driving skill. Get used to where the beam lever sits in your car’s cockpit so adjusting brightness is second nature.
Why do some drivers leave high beams on?
While inconsiderate and illegal use of high beams remains a problem, there are some reasons why motorists may occasionally forget to dim their headlights:
- Lack of awareness – Some drivers simply don’t check whether their high beams are on or not.
- Misjudging distance – Drivers may leave high beams on until cars seem close, instead of the 500 feet rule.
- Glare blindness – High beams from oncoming cars can cause temporary blindness.
- Inability to see the road – Those with poor vision rely on high beams to see better at night.
- Rural driving habits – High beams are often the default in very dark country driving.
- Previous cars had automatic dim – Set and forget drivers may not adjust in manual cars.
While these reasons are not valid excuses for endangering other drivers, it provides some context on why people sometimes incorrectly use their high beam lights around traffic.
Tips for dealing with high beam glare
Here are some suggestions for dealing with the blinding glare of high beams from oncoming cars:
- Avoid staring directly into oncoming high beams as this worsens glare blindness.
- Look towards the right side of the road till the car passes.
- Gently flash your high beams to remind the driver to dip theirs.
- Slow down and increase following distance, as visibility is reduced.
- If completely blinded, pull over and stop until the car has passed.
- Use your open palm to shield dashboard glare that bounces into your eyes.
- Keep your windshield clean and wiper blades in good condition to optimize visibility.
While annoying, the blinding effects of oncoming high beams last for just a few seconds. Stay calm, reduce speed if needed, and resist the urge to retaliate with your own high beams.
New auto high beam technology
Many modern cars now come with automated high beams that use sensors and cameras to detect oncoming cars. Here’s how they work:
- A front camera detects the headlights of approaching vehicles at night.
- The automated high beam system instantly switches to low beam when cars are detected.
- Once traffic has passed, the high beams automatically turn back on.
- This creates a set-it-and-forget-it high beam experience while driving at night.
- The technology maximizes high beam visibility when safe and eliminates glare otherwise.
These auto high beam systems vastly reduce the chances of drivers leaving high beams on accidentally in traffic. They are a useful step forward in balancing visibility and safety at night.
Conclusion
To summarize the key points:
- It is illegal to use high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic or when following 300 feet behind another vehicle.
- High beams should only be used on unlit roads with no nearby cars to avoid blinding other drivers.
- Remember to switch back to low beams well before any vehicle approaches within the minimum distance.
- Blinding glare poses significant safety risks for yourself and other drivers.
- New auto high beam technology removes the risk of human error in judging when to dim headlights.
Driving with improperly aimed or timed high beams is a hazard. But when used temporarily and selectively in very dark conditions, high beams help drivers see the road ahead clearly without endangering others. Mastering their use is an important skill for safe night time driving.