What are the regulations for using low beams at 150 meters during nighttime oncoming traffic?
4 Answers
The reasons and regulations for using low beams at 150 meters during nighttime oncoming traffic are as follows: 1. Regulation 1: When two vehicles approach each other at night at a distance of more than 150 meters, they should alternately switch between high and low beams to facilitate observation of the road ahead. 2. Regulation 2: When approaching oncoming traffic at night, drivers must switch to low beams at a distance of 150 meters or more from the other vehicle. 3. Regulation 3: If the oncoming vehicle does not turn off its high beams during nighttime oncoming traffic, drivers may alternately use high and low beams to signal the other vehicle. 4. Regulation 4: The headlights of oncoming vehicles at night can cause glare, so drivers should reduce speed or stop.
With over 15 years of driving experience, I know that switching to low beams within 150 meters when meeting another vehicle at night is a core requirement of traffic regulations. The purpose is to prevent the strong glare of high beams from blinding the other driver, ensuring safe passing between vehicles. I've witnessed many accidents caused by failure to follow this rule, leading to sudden braking or rear-end collisions—especially on mountain roads or highways where visibility is already poor and distance judgment becomes difficult, requiring extra caution. In daily driving, I rely on roadside reflectors or auxiliary tools to estimate 150 meters; it becomes second nature with practice. A bonus tip: if the other driver doesn’t use low beams, quickly flash your lights as a reminder, but never retaliate with high beams—safety comes first. Remember to regularly check your vehicle’s lighting system to ensure aging bulbs don’t affect responsiveness.
My new car comes with automatic headlight function. When driving at night, the system automatically switches to low beam at about 150 meters during oncoming traffic, which is both convenient and efficient. This regulation originates from traffic rules, aiming to protect drivers from both directions against glare interference and prevent accidents caused by momentary blindness. Why 150 meters? I've checked the data - this is the tested safe distance. Too close makes it hard to see the road clearly, while too far doesn't give enough preparation time and can be dangerous. During my novice stage, I often forgot, but with practice I've developed the habit of manual switching. Additionally, on urban streets or roads with streetlights, you can switch to low beam slightly earlier. On highways, extra caution is needed for temporary switching during overtaking. Regular headlight maintenance can extend their lifespan, preventing malfunctions at critical moments.
As an ordinary person concerned about road safety, I remember that you should switch to low beams when meeting another vehicle at night within 150 meters—this is a mandatory item on the driving test. The reason is simple: to avoid dazzling the other driver with high beams, which could lead to misjudgment and potentially cause rear-end collisions or side swipes. Common scenarios include driving on unlit rural roads at night, where distance judgment relies solely on vehicle spacing. I recommend using the car's dashboard or external reference points to help estimate the distance. Forgetting to switch lights may result in penalty points or fines, and in more severe cases, personal injury. Developing habits like slowing down in advance and staying observant is crucial to ensuring both your own and others' safe return home.
