When to Turn on the Width Lights?
3 Answers
Width lights should be turned on when it is not completely dark yet, to make the vehicle visible to others. Width lights are indicators installed on vehicles to show the width of the car and are commonly used lights. When the width lights are on, the distance between the two beams is roughly the same as the width of the vehicle. If you are unsure whether your car can pass through a narrow alley, you can turn on the width lights. To indicate the width of the car and alert other vehicles and pedestrians, turning the light switch to the first position will activate the small lights at the front and rear, which are the width lights. Other commonly used vehicle lights include: 1. Headlights, which are installed on both sides of the front of the car and are used for illuminating the road during nighttime driving; 2. Turn signals, which are important indicators turned on when the vehicle is changing direction to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians.
I've been driving for over twenty years, often going on long-distance trips, so I'm particularly sensitive about when to turn on the width lights. Generally, I turn them on within half an hour after sunset—this is the golden period when it's getting dark but streetlights aren't fully lit yet, making it easy to lose sight of a car's outline. It's even more critical on rainy days; rain and reflections can blur vehicles, so I turn them on early when the rain picks up or if rain is forecasted. In foggy or sandstorm conditions, it goes without saying—once visibility drops, width lights become a lifeline. In tunnels, I keep them on regardless of day or night, following traffic rules. In winter, when days are shorter, I start using them around 4 PM. Since adopting this habit, I've hardly encountered rear-end collisions because it's simple and effective—it lets other drivers notice me sooner. Automatic light systems sometimes fail, so I prefer manual operation for reliability. In short: if the light feels insufficient or the weather worsens, act immediately—safety comes first.
Having researched traffic safety for many years, I can confirm that turning on the width lights is a legal obligation under specific conditions. According to China's Road Traffic Law, width lights must be activated during nighttime driving (from sunset to sunrise), in rainy weather, foggy conditions, sandstorms, or any situation where visibility drops below 200 meters. This is also mandatory in tunnels. I always check my lights when my weather app alerts me to reduced visibility, ensuring compliance. For instance, I turn them on ten minutes before dusk; during heavy rain, I activate them to prevent rear-end collisions. The purpose of these regulations is to protect all road users, so I advise fellow drivers to regularly review local traffic laws to understand specific requirements. Ignoring this not only risks fines but also endangers others. Using width lights is a low-energy operation that doesn’t hinder driving—making it an automatic habit is key.
