Using the high beams on your car can be extremely useful in terms of improving your visibility under certain conditions, such as night time driving. High beams, or "bright lights" as they are sometimes called, also can be dangerous if used improperly. Although laws vary from state to state, there are basic consistent principles exist concerning how to use your high beams. If you follow these principles, you will drive more safely and responsibly.
Turn on your high beams at night. Some vehicles have a lever that you press up to turn on the high beams and press down to dim your lights. Other vehicles may have a lever that you have to pull toward yourself to change between high and low beams.
Dim your lights when you are meeting another car. Some states' laws require that you must do this when you are 500 feet away or less from the approaching vehicle.
Dim your lights when you approach another car from behind. Most laws recommend doing this when you are 200 to 300 feet away or less.
Refrain from using your high beams in areas of heavy traffic, highly lit areas or when you are parked in a street or a highway.
Refrain from flashing your high beams at oncoming drivers who have not dimmed their lights. Two approaching cars using high beams can be even more dangerous than one. Look toward the right edge of the road to avoid the glare from another person's bright lights.
