What lights to use when driving at night without street lighting?

[SanVictoria]

When driving at night without street lighting, use high beams. Light usage methods for motor vehicles at night: When driving at night, if the speed is below 30 km/h, low beams should be used. Under normal conditions, the lights can illuminate beyond 30 meters. When approaching an intersection, slow down 50 to 100 meters before the intersection and switch from high beams to low beams, while turning on the turn signal to indicate the direction of travel. If there is scattered light from the high beams of oncoming vehicles at the intersection, it can be judged that the vehicle is still far from the intersection; if there are light beams or bright light on tree branches at the corner of the intersection (common at T-shaped intersections), prepare to yield. Precautions for night driving: When driving at night, maintain a moderate speed; because the driver has limited information at night and reacts slower than during the day, focus on observing the road, terrain, and obstacles, and avoid high-speed driving. Maintaining a moderate speed is sufficient. When transitioning from light to dark, slow down in advance; when turning from a bright street into a dark alley, the eyes need a few seconds to adapt. Be sure to slow down in advance and flash the headlights once or twice to alert possible pedestrians and vehicles in the alley. Only overtake when the vehicle ahead yields; it is best not to overtake at night.

[McHector]

After driving for so many years, when driving on roads without streetlights at night, you must use the high beams. Because low beams only illuminate about thirty to forty meters ahead, and at higher speeds, there's simply not enough time to react. However, using high beams requires consideration—if you see an oncoming car or a car ahead, you must immediately switch to low beams. Once, I forgot to switch and was flashed by an oncoming driver as a warning, only then realizing I was blinding them. In rainy or foggy conditions, using fog lights in addition is safer. Also, always remember to check your lights before heading out. If the high beams are broken, driving on such roads at night can be extremely dangerous.

[MaxMarie]

As a frequent long-distance driver, I always use high beams when there are no streetlights at night. They offer two major advantages: a lighting range of over 100 meters and high brightness. I have a friend who constantly complains about poor visibility at night—turns out he was using low beams the entire time. However, it's crucial to switch back to low beams at least 150 meters before meeting an oncoming vehicle; this is basic driving etiquette. Some drivers keep their high beams on for convenience, but this dazzles oncoming traffic and significantly increases accident risks. I also keep my parking lights on to help with positioning, making it easier for other vehicles to spot mine.

[AlanRose]

If you ask me about nighttime driving lights, high beams are definitely the first choice. However, there are a few critical points: First, when overtaking on the highway, switch to low beams in advance; second, you should also switch when following a car ahead; third, remember to turn off high beams when you see pedestrians. Once when I was driving on a provincial road, I didn't turn off the high beams in time and nearly blinded an uncle on an e-bike, causing him to almost fall into a ditch. Here's an additional fun fact: many cars now come with automatic high beam functionality, which intelligently detects oncoming vehicles and switches the lights accordingly, making it especially friendly for new drivers.

[ElijahAnn]

Driving with high beams is mandatory on unlit roads at night, as taught in the theoretical driving test. However, many overlook the timing to switch: when approaching curves or hilltops, switch to low beams in advance to avoid blind spots and sudden hazards. When I drove in mountainous areas, this method helped me avoid several dangerous situations. Additionally, headlight angle is crucial; if set too high, it can blind oncoming traffic. I adjust my headlight angle at the repair shop every six months.

[Bradley]

I recommend using high beams in combination with fog lights at night for better lateral visibility. However, the key is to master the timing of switching: turn off high beams on urban roads with streetlights, and use low beams throughout tunnels. I learned this the hard way – once I forgot to switch off high beams when entering a tunnel, and the reflective signs hurt my eyes. Another tip is to watch the road markings – reflective lane markings become particularly visible under high beams, helping to determine lane position and avoid crossing lines while driving at night.