
When driving at night under well-lit street light conditions, low beam headlights should be used. Below is relevant information: 1. Relevant legal provisions: Article 58 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates that when motor vehicles are driving at night without street lights, under poor lighting conditions, or in low visibility situations such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail, they should turn on headlights, clearance lights, and rear position lights. However, when driving closely behind another vehicle in the same direction, high beam headlights should not be used. Motor vehicles driving in fog should turn on fog lights and hazard warning flashers. 2. Correct use of lights for night driving: At night, vehicle lights act as the "eyes" of the vehicle. Motor vehicles are equipped with high beam headlights for use under extremely poor lighting conditions. However, many drivers turn on high beams as soon as they start driving to improve their own visibility and fail to switch to low beams when meeting other vehicles. This can cause visual impairment to other drivers, potentially affecting normal driving or even leading to traffic accidents.

When driving at night, especially on roads with streetlights, I habitually turn on the dipped beam mode of my headlights. As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I must say this isn’t about saving the bulbs—it’s a fundamental safety principle. Streetlights being on doesn’t mean the front and rear of your car are clearly visible. If there’s an unlit bicycle or pedestrian, turning on your lights ensures they notice you from afar. Dipped beams provide moderate brightness, unlike high beams that can blind oncoming drivers and cause accidents. I remember once accidentally switching to high beams and nearly causing a collision, so now I make it a habit to switch before it’s completely dark. Also, some friends skip turning on lights to save battery—that’s illegal, punishable by fines, and, more importantly, endangers lives. It’s not worth the risk. In short, safety comes first: turn on your lights when needed, and don’t cut corners.

As an urban commuter driving home under streetlights every day, experience tells me that using low beam headlights is most appropriate. Although streetlights are bright, your moving vehicle still creates shadows and blind spots. Turning on lights enhances your ability to identify road conditions while making your vehicle more visible to others, reducing rear-end collision risks. High beams must be absolutely avoided as they cause excessive glare and reflection that blinds oncoming traffic. I never use fog lights unless there's actual fog - those overly intense beams waste electricity and annoy others. Don't underestimate this habit; it's as fundamental as wearing seatbelts. I've witnessed drivers being pulled over at night for not using lights, facing fines and lectures - what an unnecessary hassle. I recommend making light usage an automatic habit when starting your car, regardless of streetlight conditions. When it comes to safety, there's no room for compromise.

For new drivers hitting the road when streetlights are on, I also recommend using low beams. The safety manual states that headlights must be turned on in urban areas with streetlights—it's a legal requirement to avoid penalties. Low beams provide sufficient brightness for clear road illumination without dazzling pedestrians or cyclists, while high beams should be reserved for highways or unlit rural roads. Driving without lights is dangerous; my driving instructor emphasized during my license test that streetlights can't replace vehicle lights—your car might blend into the background, causing others to fail to see you and collide. In short, forming this habit isn't difficult and ensures safe travels.

I prefer driving with a focus on energy efficiency, and turning on the headlights on well-lit roads, choosing low beam mode is the wisest choice. Using headlights does consume some fuel or electricity, but low beams have minimal consumption—almost negligible compared to driving without them. The key is prioritizing safety. Under streetlights, shadows are abundant, and having your car's lights on enhances visibility, preventing sudden accidents. Never misuse high beams—they waste energy and annoy others. I never use rear fog lights or additional lights unless in special weather conditions, as excess light can disrupt driving. Remember, good habits protect both yourself and the environment; stay vigilant even with streetlights on, ensuring a steady and safe drive.


