Headlights, high beam and horn

By the end of this topic you can

• You can switch headlights on at the right time without being reminded.
• You can use high beam on dark roads and dip it in time for other vehicles.
• You can use fog lights and hazard lights only when they are allowed.
• You can use the horn correctly to warn of danger.

What you need to know and understand

• Headlights must be on between sunset and sunrise, and at any time visibility is poor, such as in heavy rain or fog.
• You must not use high beam when you are less than 200 metres behind a vehicle going the same way or less than 200 metres from an oncoming vehicle.
• Fog lights may only be used in fog or other hazardous weather that reduces visibility.
• Hazard warning lights are for when your vehicle is stopped and causing an obstruction, or is moving slowly and could be a hazard.
• The horn may only be used to warn other road users or animals of danger, or as part of an anti-theft alarm.

Low beam, high beam and the 200 metre rule

Low beam (dipped) headlights are your everyday night setting in towns and anywhere with street lighting. High beam lights the road much further ahead and is valuable on dark country roads, especially where wildlife is about.

Dip your high beam once an oncoming car is within 200 metres, and when you are within 200 metres behind another vehicle. If an oncoming driver keeps their high beam on, look towards the left edge of the road to avoid being dazzled, and slow down if you need to.

Which light, when

• Dusk to dawn: headlights on (low beam in town).
• Heavy rain, fog, smoke or dust in daytime: headlights on.
• Dark open road with no traffic: high beam.
• Thick fog: fog lights if fitted, and low beam, not high beam, as fog reflects it back.
• Broken down on the roadside: hazard lights.

Using the horn properly

A short tap warns another road user that they have not seen you, for example a car reversing out of a driveway towards you. Do not use the horn to hurry people, to greet friends or in anger. Remember that pedestrians who are deaf or using headphones may not hear it at all.

Common mistakes

• Leaving high beam on as an oncoming car approaches.
• Driving at dusk without headlights because the street lights make it seem bright enough.
• Leaving fog lights on in clear weather, which dazzles other drivers.
• Using hazard lights to park illegally for a minute: they do not make it legal.

Test yourself: Headlights, high beam and horn

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

Go deeper

• High Beam Rules in Australia