When Should I Turn on My Headlights?

Use your high-beam headlights in open country or dark city streets when possible.

You must dim your lights to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.

Use the low beams in fog or when it is snowing or raining. Light from high beams will reflect, causing glare and making it more difficult to see ahead.

Turn on headlights beginning 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

If another vehicle's lights are too bright:

• Do not look directly into the oncoming headlights.
• Look toward the right edge of your lane.
• Watch the oncoming vehicle out of the corner of your eye.
• Do not react to the other driver by keeping your high-beam headlights on. This only makes it harder for both of you to see.

Use your headlights on mountain roads and tunnels, even on sunny days.

Use your headlights:

• When it is too dark to see from 1,000 feet away.
• Beginning 30 minutes after sunset.
• Until 30 minutes before sunrise.
• In adverse weather. You must turn on your low-beam headlights if you need to use your windshield wipers due to fog, rain, or snow.
• When conditions (such as clouds, dust, smoke, or fog) prevent you from seeing other vehicles.
• On mountain roads and tunnels (even on sunny days).
• When a road sign states that headlights must be on.
• To help other drivers see your vehicle, especially when the sun is low on the horizon.

You must turn on your low-beam headlights if you need to use your windshield wipers due to fog, rain, or snow.

If you see a collision or hazard ahead, warn drivers behind you using these methods:

• Turn on your emergency flashers.
• Lightly tap your brake pedal three or four times.
• Use a hand signal when slowing and stopping.

It is illegal to drive using only parking lights.