When to Use High Beams While Driving?

[Shelby]

High beams should be used while driving on highways or in rural areas without streetlights. There is no need to use high beams on urban roads as city streets generally have good lighting conditions. The high angle of high beams can easily dazzle oncoming drivers and pedestrians, impairing their vision and creating unsafe conditions, which is also considered impolite driving behavior. If other vehicles frequently flash their lights at you, promptly check whether your high beams are on. Alternating between high and low beams serves as a form of light communication with various meanings, such as alerting vehicles at intersections to be cautious, signaling for nighttime overtaking, or reminding oncoming vehicles to switch to low beams.

[Daniela]

When driving on dark roads, such as rural mountain paths or highways at night when there are no other vehicles, I turn on the high beams to see distant animals, potholes, or obstacles clearly and avoid accidents. However, when an oncoming vehicle approaches or I'm following too closely behind another car, I immediately switch back to low beams because the intense light can cause discomfort or even temporary blindness for the other driver, which is very dangerous. I also make sure to turn off the high beams when going around curves or downhill—safety comes first. Additionally, I’ve developed a habit of checking that all lights are functioning properly before setting off, especially during long trips where frequent switching between beams is necessary to adapt to various road conditions. Remember, high beams are most effective only in low-visibility areas where they won’t interfere with others.

[OGrant]

After years of driving, I've found that the most appropriate occasions to use high beams are when driving at night in remote areas or on open highways without other vehicles around. They illuminate the distance, allowing early detection of hazards and improving driving efficiency. However, on city roads or in well-lit areas, I never recklessly use high beams—it's not only inconsiderate but also a waste of energy. Before every trip, I check the position of the light controls to ensure quick switching and avoid causing inconvenience to others. Such small habits make driving smoother and show respect for fellow road users.

[VonDelilah]

The driving school taught me to use lights properly: using high beams in dark areas without streetlights at night can increase visibility and help assess road conditions. However, you must switch to low beams when there is oncoming traffic, in urban areas, or in heavy traffic zones, otherwise, it violates traffic rules and police will issue penalties. I firmly remembered these rules while learning to drive, and now I often remind myself to adjust the lights promptly to ensure safe driving.