Should High Beams Be Used on Highways?
4 Answers
High beams should be used on highways. When driving on highways, the speed is very fast, and most highways do not have streetlights, resulting in very poor visibility. If high beams are not turned on at this time, it becomes difficult to clearly see the road conditions ahead in a timely manner, which can easily lead to traffic accidents. Highways generally have barriers in the middle, separating lanes for one-way traffic. These barriers block the high beams while eliminating the danger of oncoming vehicles. It is permissible to use high beams when driving on highways at night. The purpose of using high beams is to allow the driver to more clearly assess the road conditions ahead, thereby reducing the likelihood of traffic accidents.
I have experience with using high beams on highways, as I drive long distances every week. On highways without streetlights, using high beams is necessary to see distant road signs and obstacles. However, it's crucial to remember to switch to low beams when there's a car ahead, as the strong light reflecting off the rearview mirror can dazzle the driver and cause accidents. I usually start switching about 200 meters before reaching the car in front and also turn them off early when passing entrances or exits. If the car behind has high beams on, you can use the anti-glare rearview mirror to block the light. The key is to adjust flexibly—don’t keep high beams on and affect others. Safety is always the top priority.
As a driving instructor, I often remind my students to use high beams on highways with discretion. Regulations permit their use on poorly lit sections, but you must switch to low beams when following a vehicle within 200 meters and when meeting oncoming traffic from 150 meters away. Many people don't realize that using high beams in rain or fog is actually dangerous—the light reflects off water droplets and reduces visibility. In such conditions, low beams plus fog lights work better. Highway surveillance is strict nowadays, and improper use of high beams can result in a 200-yuan fine if caught on camera. I've seen too many accidents caused by high beam misuse. Proper usage can triple your nighttime visibility range, but the key is knowing when to switch.
The first time I drove on the highway at night, I didn't know the rules and kept the low beams on the whole time, almost missing the exit. After more experience, I learned that many sections of the highway are pitch black, and you need high beams to see the road clearly. But you must switch to low beams when there's a car ahead, otherwise the glare in the rearview mirror can dazzle the driver in front. Extra caution is needed when following large vehicles, as their higher position makes them more affected by bright lights. Now, I use high beams when there are no cars in the distance and switch early when I spot headlights, also proactively adjusting to low beams before turns. This way, it's both safe and avoids complaints, and nighttime highway visibility can extend over a hundred meters further.
