When should you use your low beams when driving at night?

Using low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet is crucial for ensuring safety on the road at night. High beams can dazzle or blind drivers in oncoming vehicles, compromising their ability to see and react appropriately. This distance (500 feet) is generally recognized as a safe guideline where low beams should be used to minimize glare.

It's important to utilize low beams in such situations to maintain visibility for both your vehicle and oncoming traffic. Low beams provide adequate light to see the road ahead while also preventing interference with the vision of other drivers.

Other scenarios like driving over 60 miles per hour or in heavy fog may also require low beams, but the specific stipulation regarding oncoming vehicles directly addresses the concern of glare and visibility for both drivers, highlighting the essential aspect of road safety. When no other vehicles are present, using high beams can be acceptable, as they allow for better visibility in darker environments. However, the rule concerning oncoming traffic is critical to adhere to in order to promote safe driving practices.