What lights to use when passing through an intersection?
4 Answers
When passing through an intersection, you should use low beam lights. Here is an introduction to the relevant content about vehicle lights: 1. Light usage at intersections: If you are driving straight through an intersection with traffic signals, simply use low beam lights. If passing through an intersection without traffic signals, you should alternately switch between high and low beam lights more than twice. This is part of the lighting simulation test in Subject 3 of the driving test, so it's crucial to remember. In actual driving situations, when approaching an intersection without traffic signals, you should slow down in advance, alternately use high and low beam lights as a signal, and pay close attention to the traffic conditions ahead. 2. Subject 3 lighting simulation: When driving straight through an intersection during Subject 3, learners must use low beam lights. Another scenario is when the voice prompt indicates passing through an uncontrolled intersection (without traffic signals), then you need to alternately switch between high and low beam lights twice. This helps alert both vehicles and pedestrians.
Our driving school instructors emphasize the most about intersection lighting rules: you must use low beams at night, and those who only use daytime running lights will be penalized. During the day, no special actions are needed at regular intersections, but you must signal in advance when turning left or right! A special reminder: be extra cautious at intersections without traffic lights—flash your high beams twice as a signal, regardless of day or night. Also, avoid using fog lights when crossing intersections in the rain, as they can blind oncoming drivers. Remember, lights are not just for illumination; they are a language for communication between you and other drivers—flash when needed and turn off when necessary.
In urban areas, I'm used to driving with low beams on, especially on roads with dense tree shade. I used to think it was fine as long as I didn't use high beams, but later learned that not using low beams is also a violation. When turning, I signal 30 meters in advance and remember to turn it off after completing the turn. One evening at an intersection, I encountered an electric bike without any lights, which gave me quite a scare. Now, even when visibility is slightly poor, like passing through narrow alley entrances, I turn on my lights. The most annoying are those who use high beams at intersections, blinding everyone in the opposite lane—such drivers are a danger to themselves and others.
During the driving test (Subject 3), the safety officer repeatedly emphasized three key points: you must switch to low beams when passing signalized intersections; indicate turns or lane changes by activating turn signals for at least 3 seconds in advance; and flash high beams twice at uncontrolled intersections to alert cross traffic. Once, I failed immediately for forgetting to use the turn signal. Now when driving, I pay special attention to light communication—especially checking mirrors before right turns while signaling, otherwise electric scooters wouldn't know my intention. Also, alternating high/low beams before crosswalks helps pedestrians clearly identify approaching vehicle direction.
