What Lights Should Be Used When Driving in Snow?
3 Answers
When driving in snow, you should turn on the low beam lights, clearance lights, and rear position lights. The national traffic law clearly stipulates: during nighttime when streetlights are on or when driving under low visibility conditions such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail, you must turn on the headlights, clearance lights, and rear position lights. If the snowfall is light, only the low beam lights and clearance lights are necessary. Winter driving precautions: 1. Control your speed: When driving in snow, you need to control your speed, maintain steady driving, and manage the direction carefully. 2. Maintain distance: When driving in snow, it's important to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Due to slippery road conditions, braking distances are extended, so a longer following distance is required. 3. Defrost the windshield: The temperature difference between inside and outside the car is significant in snowy weather. Pay attention to windshield fogging while driving. If fog appears on the windows during driving, use the car's air conditioning to adjust the interior temperature and eliminate the fog on the windshield.
Driving in snowy conditions is most challenging due to poor visibility. With decades of driving experience, I always prioritize using low beams first—their even illumination prevents snowflakes from reflecting glare. If the vehicle is equipped with front fog lights, I turn them on; their low position helps penetrate light snow and mist. Never use high beams—they only make snow particles glitter, further obscuring the road. Don’t forget the rear fog lights—their intense brightness ensures trailing vehicles can spot you in heavy snowfall, reducing rear-end collision risks. Additionally, before heading out in snow, I always clean the lamp covers to avoid clogging from slush. I also reduce speed below 40 km/h and double the following distance. These small details ensure every snowy trip is safe and worry-free—after all, proper lighting setup is a lifeline.
During daily winter driving, I prefer manually controlling the lights as the auto mode can sometimes be unresponsive. Using low beams combined with front fog lights is sufficient, while high beams should be absolutely avoided to prevent snow glare from dazzling. Rear fog lights are my essential tool—they significantly improve visibility in heavy snowfall, especially when observed through the rearview mirror. For snowy conditions, LED lights are the best choice due to their high brightness and low energy consumption. Since weather changes rapidly, it's crucial to test all light functions in advance. Safety always comes first—this lighting setup, combined with low-speed driving, can significantly reduce accident risks. I also recommend regular maintenance of the lighting system to avoid sudden failures in winter.
