What lights should be turned on when a car enters a tunnel?

[CeciliaMarie]

When entering a tunnel, a car should turn on the contour lights and low beam headlights. Below is more information about turning on the lights after entering a tunnel: 1. Contour lights: Because the light outside the tunnel during the day is strong and glaring, while the light inside the tunnel is relatively weak, there is a period of eye adaptation when entering the tunnel. During this process, the driver can easily affect their judgment of road conditions. Turning on the lights can help the driver observe the road conditions and also alert other vehicles. 2. Low beam headlights: When entering a tunnel, low beam headlights should be turned on to provide close-range illumination. This allows the driver to see other vehicles and the conditions inside the tunnel, and also enables vehicles behind to see the vehicle in front. Driving in a tunnel without turning on the lights poses certain safety hazards.

[Matt]

I've been driving long-haul trucks for over twenty years and have extensive experience entering and exiting tunnels. Turning on the low beams 100 meters before entering a tunnel is an ironclad rule. The lighting inside tunnels is dim, and using low beams not only helps you see the road clearly but, more importantly, ensures that vehicles in front and behind can notice you, avoiding collisions. Remember, never use high beams—the intense light reflects too strongly inside tunnels, blinding oncoming drivers and causing accidents. Some beginners think daytime running lights are sufficient, but I tell you, those lights are too dim, almost like having no lights on at all. After exiting the tunnel, wait for your eyes to adjust to the light before turning off the beams—don’t switch them off immediately. Developing good habits can be life-saving in critical moments.

[VonBrynlee]

From a safety perspective, vehicles must turn on their low beam headlights when entering a tunnel. The strong contrast in brightness between the inside and outside of the tunnel requires several seconds for the human eye to adjust, and having lights on during this period significantly improves vehicle visibility. According to traffic regulations, entering a tunnel without headlights on is a violation. High beams can create intense glare that endangers oncoming vehicles and must be avoided. It is recommended to turn on the lights in advance and observe the ambient light after exiting the tunnel before turning them off. While automatic headlight functions are convenient, they may have a delay in illuminating in complex tunnel environments, making manual activation more reliable. Turning on headlights is also necessary when entering a tunnel at night, and one should not become complacent just because the environment is dark. Consistently keeping the headlights clean is also important.

[Jessie]

Last week, I took my family on a road trip through a series of mountain tunnels. It's quite simple to operate - just turn on the low beams when entering a tunnel. Activate the combination of parking lights and low beams on the lighting switch, and remember to check that the dashboard indicator lights up. With them on, you'll see road reflectors more clearly and other vehicles' outlines become easier to identify. If your car has automatic headlights, it's even more convenient, though some short tunnels may require manual activation due to less sensitive sensors. The main purpose of turning on lights is to improve visibility to others, while the existing lighting is sufficient to see the road. After exiting the tunnel, wait until the green light comes on before turning them off - no need to rush.