At what distance should high beams be switched to low beams when meeting another vehicle?
2 Answers
When meeting another vehicle on the road at night, switch from high beams to low beams when the oncoming vehicle is more than 150 meters away. Meeting another vehicle: Meeting another vehicle is a traffic term referring to trains, cars, etc., traveling in opposite directions passing each other at a certain point. Switching to low beams when meeting another vehicle: When meeting another vehicle on the road at night, switch from high beams to low beams when the oncoming vehicle is more than 150 meters away. Article 48 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law" states: On roads without central separation facilities or center lines, drivers should switch to low beams when meeting another vehicle at night when the oncoming vehicle is more than 150 meters away. When meeting non-motorized vehicles on narrow roads or narrow bridges, low beams should be used.
As a driver with twenty years of experience, I've encountered countless nighttime oncoming traffic scenarios, and I always switch to low beams at around 150 meters. A simple rule of thumb: switch when the opposing vehicle's lights transition from hazy to clear, avoiding dazzling the other driver. On highways, where speeds are higher, I switch even earlier at about 180 meters to ensure safer visibility for both parties. Once, a friend in a hurry forgot to switch, leading to the opposing car flashing warnings—nearly causing an accident. Since then, I've placed even greater emphasis on this distance habit. In real-world driving, road conditions vary: switching at 200 meters is suitable for straight roads, while on mountainous curves, you might need to switch within 100 meters. Nighttime driving prioritizes safety—switching early reduces accident risks and helps you spot road details better.
