Driving at night

By the end of this topic you can

• You can switch between low and high beams at the right times.
• You can handle glare from oncoming headlights without losing your lane.
• You can keep your speed low enough to stop within the distance your headlights light up.
• You can prepare your car and yourself for a night drive.

What you need to know and understand

• Headlights are required at night and in poor visibility; the exact times (often tied to sunset and sunrise) and conditions vary by state.
• Many states require you to dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
• The distance for dimming when following another vehicle varies by state, often between 200 and 300 feet or more: check your state manual.
• Overdriving your headlights means driving so fast you could not stop within the lit distance.
• Use low beams in fog, rain and snow, because high beams reflect back and reduce visibility.
• Many states restrict late-night driving for new teen drivers under graduated licensing. Hours vary by state.

High beams, low beams and when to switch

High beams let you see much farther and are useful on open, dark roads with no traffic nearby. Switch to low beams when another vehicle is approaching or when you are following one, so you do not dazzle the driver. On lit city streets, low beams are usually enough.

Low beams are also the right choice in fog, heavy rain or snow. The light from high beams bounces off water droplets and makes it harder to see.

Coping with glare

• Look toward the right edge of your lane when an oncoming car has bright lights, and use the edge line to steer.
• Do not flash or switch on your own high beams in return.
• Use the night setting on your inside mirror to reduce glare from behind.
• Keep the windshield clean inside and out: smears scatter light.
• If you are dazzled, slow down until your eyes recover.

Getting ready for a night drive

Drive a little slower than in daylight, leave a longer following distance, and look for pedestrians and bicyclists who may be wearing dark clothing. Watch road edges for animals on rural roads.

1. Check that all lights work and that headlight lenses are clean.
2. Clean all windows and mirrors.
3. Dim the dashboard lights so they do not reduce your night vision.
4. Make sure you are rested: tiredness and darkness together are a dangerous mix.
5. Plan your route on roads you know where possible.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to turn on headlights on well-lit streets: check the dashboard indicator.
• Leaving high beams on when another car approaches: dim in good time.
• Staring into oncoming headlights: look toward the right edge line.
• Driving at daytime speed on dark roads: make sure you can stop within your lit distance.
• Using high beams in fog: switch to low beams.

Test yourself: Driving at night

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• When to Use High Beams