In what situation are you required to use your high beams?

The use of high beams is primarily intended to increase visibility in low-light conditions, such as poorly lit areas where street lighting is inadequate. In such situations, if there is no oncoming traffic, using high beams can illuminate a greater distance ahead, making it easier to spot obstacles or hazards. It is important to ensure that high beams are turned off when there is oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle closely, as the bright light can blind other drivers, creating dangerous driving conditions.

In contrast, high beams are not advisable in city limits where there are typically more street lights and traffic, and heavy rain can scatter light, reducing the effectiveness of high beams. Following another vehicle with high beams on can also obscure the driver of the front vehicle’s view, leading to potential accidents. Therefore, the correct use of high beams is critical for maintaining safety while navigating poorly lit areas without oncoming traffic.