What Lights to Use on the Highway?
4 Answers
On the highway, use high beams, low beams, turn signals, and width markers. Here are some additional details: 1. During normal driving, turn on the night lights and width markers. If there are no vehicles ahead, you can appropriately use high beams to briefly observe the road conditions and surroundings at a distance, then quickly switch back to low beams. 2. When meeting another vehicle, alternate between high and low beams. If there is a vehicle ahead or an oncoming vehicle, switch from high beams to low beams. 3. When driving on roads with streetlights, try to use anti-glare lights or low beams and width markers, avoiding excessive use of high beams. When approaching an intersection, slow down 50-100 meters before the intersection, switch from high beams to low beams, and activate the turn signal to indicate your direction of travel.
As a driver who frequently travels on highways, I always keep the low beams on because daytime running lights can significantly improve vehicle visibility and reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. Different regions may have regulations, such as mandatory daytime running lights in northern China during winter. Of course, I switch to high beam mode at night, but promptly return to low beams when encountering oncoming traffic to avoid glare. In rainy or hazy conditions, I turn on the front and rear fog lights—those yellow lights have exceptional penetration. Remember to check bulbs and fuses before setting off to avoid lights going out midway. Familiarize yourself with your car's features, like automatic daytime running lights, which are convenient and safe. The key to highway driving is proactive accident prevention, and using lights is the simplest yet most effective protective measure.
Having driven for decades, experience tells me that lighting management on highways is crucial. During the day, a small light or daytime running lights are sufficient, and now new cars come preset with automatic lighting functions. Driving at night without lights is simply reckless—headlights must be used to illuminate the road. But I particularly dislike those who keep their high beams on for too long, as blinding others can easily lead to accidents. In rain or snow, turning on fog lights is especially helpful—don’t skip it out of laziness. The light switch is usually located near the steering wheel or on the dashboard, and beginners will get used to it after a few tries. I recommend developing the good habit of checking your lights before driving and understanding local regulations—some highway sections may impose fines for not following the rules. Safety first, as your lights are your second pair of eyes.
I often drive on highways right after getting my license. My driving instructor emphasized lighting rules: use low beams during daytime to enhance visibility, and high beams at night to illuminate the road ahead. Remember to avoid using high beams when they might disturb others, unless the road is clear. In bad weather, activate the fog light button. In practice, I rely on a mobile app to check real-time regulations and regularly test my lights to prevent malfunctions. In short, using lights isn't a burden but a safety measure—especially for beginners, don't skip this step.
