What lights should be turned on when driving straight at night?
3 Answers
When driving straight at night, low beam headlights should be used. If the road ahead is completely dark with no road lighting facilities, high beam headlights should be turned on. If you encounter an oncoming vehicle, switch to low beam headlights in advance, and after passing the vehicle, decide whether to turn on the high beam headlights again based on the situation. When driving straight through an intersection at night, low beam headlights should be used. There is also a suggestion to alternately use high and low beam headlights as a signal. When passing through an uncontrolled intersection without traffic signals, you should slow down and alternately use high and low beam headlights as a signal. When overtaking at night, turn on the turn signal in advance and observe the vehicles behind. If the following vehicle is too close, it is not recommended to use the turn signal for overtaking, as this may easily catch the following vehicle off guard. In case of rainy or foggy weather with low visibility, the correct approach is to turn on the width marker lights, front and rear fog lights, and hazard warning lights. Note that fog lights are very bright and have a strong warning effect, so they should not be turned on during clear nights.
Choosing the right headlights when driving straight at night is crucial. I usually keep the low beams as the default setting. They illuminate the road ahead without blinding oncoming drivers. I only switch to high beams when the road is exceptionally dark and completely free of other vehicles to extend visibility. However, as soon as I spot distant headlights or pedestrians, I immediately switch back to low beams to avoid causing glare-related accidents. This practice is primarily for safety—I remember a time when my friend was driving with high beams on and nearly collided with an oncoming car, narrowly avoiding disaster thanks to quick reflexes. Developing this habit is practical and effortless, yet it significantly reduces risks. Additionally, keeping the headlights clean and in good working condition is essential, as dirt or malfunctioning lights can impair visibility, so regular headlight checks are important. In short, safety comes first—don’t sacrifice it for temporary convenience.
According to traffic regulations, headlights must be turned on when driving straight at night. I usually use low beams because they are sufficient for most road conditions, such as on highways or ordinary roads with streetlights. However, if the road is pitch black with no cars or pedestrians, high beams can be used to better see obstacles ahead. The regulations are clear: when encountering oncoming traffic or a vehicle ahead, you must switch back to low beams; otherwise, you may face fines and even cause accidents. Last year, I heard about a guy who was fined and penalized for not switching lights and nearly caused a collision, so now I always make sure to judge the situation in advance and follow the rules. Controlling the lights is simple—just a lever—but the key is to develop awareness and avoid complacency. Keeping the headlights in good condition is also crucial, as aging bulbs or wiring issues may prevent them from working, causing delays.
