Will I Get Penalty Points for Using High Beams at Night?
2 Answers
Using high beams on roads where they are not permitted at night generally results in a 1-point penalty. Here are the precautions for using high beams: When high beams should not be used: On roads without central barriers or center lines, drivers must switch to low beams when meeting an oncoming vehicle within 150 meters. Low beams should also be used when encountering non-motor vehicles on narrow roads or bridges. High beams must not be used when a following vehicle is driving closely behind another vehicle in the same direction. When high beams can be used: High beams are allowed when the distance to the vehicle ahead exceeds 150 meters or when there is a central barrier, such as bushes or dividers, that prevents the high beams from affecting oncoming traffic.
I've been driving for many years and know that misusing high beams at night can indeed result in penalty points and fines. According to traffic regulations, using high beams on well-lit urban roads or when there are oncoming vehicles can lead to being penalized by the police with a deduction of 1 point and a fine of 200 yuan. I once made this mistake myself, driving with high beams in a busy downtown area while following the car in front, and was pulled over, educated, and had points deducted—it was quite a shock. The key issue is that such behavior is extremely dangerous; the dazzling light makes it difficult for other drivers to see the road clearly, increasing the risk of accidents. Now, I've developed the habit of checking the light switch as soon as I get in the car, using high beams only in unpopulated suburban areas or on dark highway sections, and immediately switching back to low beams when there's oncoming traffic. This ensures good visibility for myself while avoiding penalties—safety comes first. I recommend everyone review traffic rules more often.
