Can high beams be used on highways?
3 Answers
Related regulations stipulate that when driving on unlit roads at night at speeds exceeding 30 km/h, high beams may be used. Therefore, high beams can be used on highways. There are two main conditions for using high beams on highways: 1. Presence of a barrier, such as grass or a median strip: If there is a continuous, light-blocking barrier like grass or a median strip in the middle of the road, using high beams will not affect oncoming vehicles. However, it's important to note that the barrier must be continuous and opaque. If the barrier consists of spaced elements like trees, you should switch to low beams at the appropriate time. The maximum range of high beams is generally 120 meters, so you should switch to low beams when the distance to an oncoming vehicle is about 150 meters. 2. Pay attention to the distance to the vehicle in front: On highways, speeds are typically around 100 km/h, and the required following distance should be at least 100 meters. Therefore, high beams can be used when the distance to the vehicle in front is no less than 150 meters. When the distance decreases, you should switch to low beams at the appropriate time.
I really enjoy using high beams when driving on highways, especially during pitch-black nights or on poorly visible stretches of road. They help me see road conditions and potential hazards ahead. However, I must be careful not to disturb other drivers. As soon as I spot oncoming traffic or a vehicle ahead, I immediately switch to low beams to avoid bothering them. Once, I forgot to adjust my lights while driving at night on the highway and got startled when another driver flashed their lights at me. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to constantly check the surrounding traffic. Not only is this safer and more reliable, but it also complies with traffic rules. If you keep using high beams improperly, you might get fined—or worse, cause an accident. So, using high beams on highways is acceptable, but you need to be smart about it to ensure safety for yourself and others.
When I first started driving on the highway, I loved using the high beams—it made me feel like a night vision expert, which was exhilarating. Later, there was an instance when an oncoming driver flashed their lights in protest, and it dawned on me that I had been careless—my lights were too glaring and affected others. Since then, I've learned to be more mindful: high beams on the highway are acceptable but must be used with discretion. I keep them on when there are few cars around or when I'm cruising on a single lane, but as soon as I spot approaching vehicles, especially those coming from the opposite direction, I quickly switch to low beams. This habit takes practice for beginners—initially, I often forgot to toggle and would fumble a bit. Now, with more driving experience, I understand that nighttime safety is paramount, and adjusting lights is a fundamental skill—never cut corners for convenience. Additionally, in heavy fog, high beams can be counterproductive, so I opt for low beams as they're more practical.
