What lights should be used when meeting on narrow roads or bridges?
2 Answers
When meeting non-motorized vehicles on narrow roads or bridges, low beam headlights should be used. The situations requiring the use of low beam headlights are as follows: On roads without central isolation facilities or center lines, low beam headlights should be switched on when meeting vehicles from the opposite direction at a distance of more than 150 meters at night. When overtaking at night, low beam headlights should be switched on when meeting vehicles from the opposite direction at a distance of more than 150 meters. When overtaking on narrow roads or bridges at night, low beam headlights should be used. When turning at intersections with traffic lights at night, motor vehicles should use low beam headlights. When driving in the same direction and following another vehicle at a close distance, low beam headlights should be used. When driving on well-lit roads, low beam headlights should be used. When passing sharp turns, slopes, arch bridges, crosswalks, or intersections without traffic lights at night, motor vehicles should alternately use high and low beam headlights as a warning.
As a seasoned driver who frequently navigates mountainous areas, I place great emphasis on proper light usage during encounters on narrow roads and bridges. The correct approach is to switch to low beams, which avoids dazzling oncoming drivers with high beams that could blur their vision and lead to accidents. Narrow roads already have limited space, and with potential obstructions on both sides of bridges, improper light handling can easily cause misjudgment. My experience is to proactively switch lights about 100 meters before the meeting point and pair this with downshifting to a lower gear, ensuring both parties have reaction time. In nighttime or low-light conditions, low beams provide adequate illumination without affecting the other driver, supplemented by horn warnings if necessary. Safety comes first—cultivating good lighting habits significantly reduces collision risks, especially during fog, rain, or snow. With practice, these actions become instinctive.
