How to Use High Beam Headlights?
3 Answers
How to use high beam headlights: 1. Understand when to turn on high beams. According to Article 48 of China's "Road Traffic Safety Law": High beams should not be used on roads with streetlights or other good lighting conditions. 2. Decide whether to use high beams based on road conditions. When driving on main urban roads, even at midnight, road lighting is usually sufficient, so high beams are unnecessary. On mountain roads or rural areas, turn on high beams after dusk to prevent accidents. 3. Turn off high beams when meeting oncoming vehicles. Article 48 also states: Vehicles using high beams should switch to low beams at least 150M before encountering another vehicle. 4. Alternate between high and low beams. On poorly lit roads with frequent oncoming traffic, flashing between high and low beams can alert other drivers without blinding them. This is especially important on two-way roads without median barriers. 5. Avoid high beams in foggy conditions. Fog reduces light transparency, causing light diffusion that reduces visibility and endangers oncoming traffic. 6. Adjust high beam height. Many SUVs and off-road vehicles have taller bodies, making their high beams shine farther and brighter, potentially affecting other drivers more significantly.
As a veteran driver who frequently travels at night, I deeply understand the importance of high beams on highways or rural roads—they illuminate long distances ahead, allowing me to spot obstacles clearly. The operation is simple: just push the lever on the left side of the steering wheel forward to activate the high beams, and pull it back to switch to low beams. However, the key is to immediately turn off the high beams when there’s oncoming traffic, as the intense light can temporarily blind the other driver, greatly increasing the risk of a collision. I remember once forgetting to switch them off during a long drive and nearly sideswiping an oncoming car—that lesson was unforgettable. Avoid using high beams in rain or fog, as the reflected light can reduce visibility, making driving even more dangerous. Staying alert, observing other vehicles’ lights, and switching beams promptly are the core principles of safe driving. Additionally, regularly check bulbs or fuses to ensure the high beams aren’t malfunctioning—don’t let laziness lead to problems. In short, using lights responsibly protects not only yourself but others as well.
As a city commuter, I rarely use high beams during daily commutes, but they're essential for weekend getaways. The high beam switch is located on the left stalk of the steering wheel: push forward to turn on, pull back to turn off—very intuitive. They're mainly used on nighttime highways or dark rural roads where visibility is poor, as they extend your field of vision. However, when I see oncoming headlights, I must immediately switch to low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers and creating hazards. In the city, I hardly ever use them because streetlights are sufficient, and it’s easy to violate regulations. Be warned—misusing high beams can result in fines (I’ve been cautioned before). New drivers should practice switching rhythms to build the habit. Don’t ignore the dashboard indicator, which shows high beam status to prevent forgetfulness. Keep a simple tool handy to check bulb functionality just in case. Respect the rules—let’s all get home safely together.
