What lights to use when meeting another vehicle?
4 Answers
When meeting another vehicle, use low beam headlights. On roads without street lights or poor lighting, when the distance to the oncoming vehicle is about 150 meters, you should consciously switch to low beam and reduce speed. Avoid using high beam headlights at close range, as the strong light can dazzle the other driver and make it difficult to see the road clearly. High beam headlights should only be used on roads without lighting. They should not be used when following another vehicle at close range, nor should they be used in conditions of low visibility such as fog, rain, snow, or dust. Relevant regulations from the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Article 48, Paragraph 5: On roads without central barriers or center lines, vehicles meeting at night should switch to low beam when the distance to the oncoming vehicle is more than 150 meters. Low beam should also be used when meeting non-motorized vehicles on narrow roads or bridges. Motor vehicles passing through intersections controlled by traffic signals should use low beam at night. Article 58: When driving at night without street lights, under poor lighting conditions, or in low visibility conditions such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail, motor vehicles should turn on headlights, clearance lights, and tail lights. However, high beam should not be used when following another vehicle at close range in the same direction. In foggy conditions, motor vehicles should turn on fog lights and hazard warning flashers. Article 59: When passing sharp curves, slopes, arched bridges, pedestrian crossings, or intersections without traffic signals at night, motor vehicles should alternately use high and low beam headlights to signal.
I've been driving for many years, and I always switch to low beams when meeting oncoming traffic. I remember one time at night when an oncoming car had its high beams on, I could barely see the road and almost hit an obstacle on the side. Since then, I've been extra careful—high beams are too dazzling and can momentarily blind the other driver, increasing the risk of a collision. Traffic rules also clearly require this to avoid fines and ensure safety. Nowadays, some new cars have automatic light-switching functions, but manual operation is more reliable. Once it becomes a habit, I just slow down a bit in advance when meeting traffic and gently turn the light knob—it's no trouble at all. Don’t underestimate this small action; safety on the road is more important than anything else.
When I first got my driver's license, I always remembered my instructor's reminder: you must switch to low beams when meeting oncoming traffic. The first time I drove on a mountain road at night and a large truck came from the opposite direction, I instinctively changed my lights. The instructor said that the strong reflection of high beams would make the other driver uncomfortable and unable to see the road clearly, increasing the accident rate dramatically. During regular practice sessions, I also simulated this scenario and found that even a slight delay in switching lights could lead to a loss of control. New drivers shouldn't be lazy and rely solely on automatic systems; instead, they should use manual controls more often to gain experience. Meeting oncoming traffic isn't a big maneuver, but the key is to develop safety awareness: prepare to switch lights and slow down as soon as you see the shadow of the other car's lights. This not only makes driving easier but also avoids potential dangers. Remembering these basic operations can help you drive steadily in complex road conditions.
As a parent who drives, I place great importance on the safety details of using car lights. When teaching my child to drive, I repeatedly emphasize: always switch to low beams when meeting another vehicle. High beams can dazzle the other driver, making them unable to see the road conditions clearly for several seconds, and if a collision occurs, the consequences could be severe. Traffic rules are not just for show; following them means protecting every life on the road. Simple actions like checking the position of the light buttons beforehand can prevent last-minute panic during encounters. Developing this habit makes family trips much safer.
