Should You Alternate Between High and Low Beams When Overtaking During the Day?
3 Answers
You can alternate between high and low beams when overtaking during the day. It is important to use vehicle lights correctly while driving. Headlights: The primary purpose of headlights is to illuminate the road and objects ahead to ensure driving safety. Alternating between high and low beams can be used as a signal for overtaking at night. Headlights are installed on both sides of the front of the vehicle, with each car equipped with 2 or 4 headlights. The bulb power is 45-60W for high beams and 25-55W for low beams. Fog Lights: Fog lights are installed near the headlights or slightly lower. In low visibility conditions such as fog, snow, heavy rain, or dust, fog lights provide road illumination and serve as a signal for oncoming vehicles. The light is mostly yellow, as yellow light has a longer wavelength and better fog penetration. The bulb power is typically 35W.
When it comes to whether to use high-low beam switching during daytime overtaking, I must emphasize a few safety principles. During the day, there’s ample light, so high beams aren’t needed for road illumination. However, flashing the high beam (not switching) occasionally can serve as a warning to the car ahead, making them more aware of your intention to overtake. But be cautious—frequent high beam flashes can dazzle oncoming drivers or even be misinterpreted as aggression, which would be counterproductive. Instead, I strongly recommend prioritizing standard signals like turn indicators and honking, as they are more direct and effective. When overtaking on highways or rural roads, always leave extra space at higher speeds and check mirrors thoroughly before making a move. If your lighting system isn’t well-maintained—for example, dim headlights or foggy lenses—even daytime overtaking requires extra attention to avoid mishaps. In short, lights aren’t mandatory; the key is to communicate your intentions clearly and safely.
As a veteran driver with decades of long-distance experience, I've seen many novices misuse the high-low beam alternation during daytime overtaking, which often leads to trouble. In bright daylight, flashing lights alternately is actually unnecessary—the strong light makes it hard to distinguish. From my experience, a quick high-beam flash is enough, serving as a 'notice me' signal, especially effective in foggy or overcast conditions. But don’t overdo it, or others might think you're picking a fight. What truly matters is turning on the indicator, judging the distance accurately, and combining it with a horn tap or a slight throttle push to complete the overtake swiftly. Many cars now come with daytime running lights, which automatically enhance visibility—much more convenient. Also, keep your lights clean; don’t let dirt dim their brightness. Always remember: safety first, lights are just a small aid.
