Lights, wipers and horn

By the end of this topic you can

• You can switch between low beam and high beam correctly.
• You can decide when to use headlights, fog lights and hazard lights.
• You can use wipers, washers and demisters to keep a clear view.
• You can use the horn only when the rules allow.

What you need to know and understand

• Headlights, tail lights and the number plate light must be on between sunset and sunrise and when rain, dust or fog cause poor visibility.
• Driving with only parking lights at those times is an offence.
• Dip your high beam when an oncoming vehicle is within 200 metres, and when you are within 200 metres behind another vehicle.
• Fog lights may be used in fog or other hazardous weather, but must be switched off when visibility improves.
• Hazard warning lights are for when your vehicle is stopped or slow and causing an obstruction, and in some other listed situations such as hazardous weather.
• The horn may only be used to warn others of danger, not to show frustration or say hello.

Headlights at night and in bad weather

Visibility is generally considered poor when people or vehicles are not clearly visible at about 100 metres. If in doubt, switch your headlights on. Adjust your speed so you can stop within the distance your headlights show to be clear.

If oncoming headlights dazzle you, do not look at them. Look towards the left side of the road, slow down, and stop if you cannot see.

High beam: when to use it and when to dip

• Use high beam on dark roads with no other traffic close by.
• Dip to low beam when an oncoming vehicle comes within 200 metres.
• Dip when you are within 200 metres behind another vehicle.
• You may briefly flash high beam to show you intend to overtake.

Wipers, washers and demisting

Switch on wipers as soon as rain affects your view, and use the washers with the wipers to clear dirt or insects. Replace worn blades that smear. Use the demister and air conditioning to clear fogged windows before and during the drive. A clean windscreen inside and out reduces glare from oncoming lights.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to dip high beam for the car in front, not just oncoming cars.
• Leaving fog lights on in clear weather, which dazzles other drivers.
• Switching on hazard lights to excuse stopping where you are not allowed to stop.
• Sounding the horn in anger.

Test yourself: Lights, wipers and horn

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

Go deeper

• High Beam Rules in Australia