Photo: Abdulvahap Demir, Pexels
To drive in snow, slow right down, leave much more space, and brake, steer and accelerate gently. Use the same approach in rain, fog and on ice, with low-beam headlights so you can see and be seen. This guide covers headlight and high-beam rules, hydroplaning, skid recovery and winter driving, using the California, New York and Oregon handbooks. Headlight laws and distances are set by each state, so check your own handbook for the test.
Key facts
- California’s suggested speeds: 5 to 10 mph slower on wet roads, half your normal speed on packed snow, no more than 5 mph on ice.
- Use low beams in fog, rain and snow. High beams reflect back and cause glare.
- New York requires headlights when you use your wipers for rain, snow or sleet.
- Dim high beams for oncoming cars within 500 feet (New York and Oregon). For cars ahead: 200 feet in New York, 350 feet in Oregon.
- Bridges and shaded areas freeze first. Roads are most slippery near freezing (Oregon).
When do you have to use headlights?
| Rule | New York | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Time of day | From half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise | From sunset to sunrise |
| Poor visibility | When visibility is less than 1,000 feet | When you cannot see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead |
| Wipers | On whenever you use wipers for rain, snow or sleet | Advised: headlights on whenever wipers are on |
| Dim high beams: oncoming | Within 500 feet | Within 500 feet |
| Dim high beams: following | Within 200 feet of a vehicle ahead, even in another lane | Within 350 feet |
California tells drivers to use low beams when it is raining. On the California drive test, not using wipers, defroster or headlights when the weather or darkness requires them is a critical error.
Driving in rain
- Wipers, low beams and defroster on (California).
- Slow down 5 to 10 mph on wet roads (California), and brake earlier and more gently (Oregon).
- Do not use cruise control on wet roads (Oregon).
- Leave more following distance. Stopping takes longer on wet pavement.
What is hydroplaning and what do you do?
In heavy rain, your tires can begin to ride on the water on top of the pavement instead of the road. New York says it usually happens at higher speeds, but worn tires or the wrong tire pressure make it more likely. To prevent it and deal with it:
- Slow down in heavy rain. If the car begins to lose traction, decrease your speed even more (New York).
- Avoid hard braking, which makes a skid worse.
- Keep tires properly inflated and replace worn tires.
Flooded roads
Do not drive through flooded areas. Oregon warns high water can cause loss of control or stalling. California notes you may not be able to tell how deep the water is by looking. Turn around.
Driving in fog
- Low beams, never high beams. In fog, high beams reflect back at you (California, Oregon).
- Slow down so you can stop within the distance you can see.
- Brake early and gently so drivers behind can react (New York).
- Signal turns earlier than usual (New York).
How to drive in snow and on ice
- Before you go: New York says not to drive in ice or snow storms unless you must. If you go, clear all windows, headlights and back lights, wipers, hood and roof, and use washer fluid that resists freezing. In snowy areas, carry snow chains (California).
- Speed: about half your normal speed on packed snow, no more than 5 mph on ice (California).
- Space: leave much more following distance and avoid cruise control (Oregon).
- Braking: brake gently. Oregon warns that if you slam on the brakes, your car will likely skid.
- Watch for ice: bridges and shaded areas freeze first, and the road is most slippery when the temperature is near freezing.
Chains and studded tires are regulated by each state. Oregon, for example, generally allows studded tires only from November 1 to March 31. Check your state’s chain and tire rules before a winter trip. If road conditions call for it, Oregon requires traction tires or chains on a car used for the drive test.
How to recover from a skid
| Skid | What to do (New York’s guidance) |
|---|---|
| Rear-wheel skid (back end slides) | Turn the steering wheel in the direction the car is trying to go. If the rear slides the other way as you recover, steer that way too; you may need to turn back and forth several times |
| Front-wheel skid (car keeps going straight) | Take your foot off the gas, shift to neutral or push in the clutch, and do not try to steer right away. Once traction returns, turn the wheel where you want to go, shift back to drive and accelerate carefully |
| Braking with ABS | Keep steady, firm pressure on the pedal |
| Braking without ABS | Pump the brake pedal carefully; hard braking makes the skid worse |
Oregon puts it simply: ease off the brakes until the car slows, steer where you want to go, then steer back as the car straightens.
State guides for tough conditions
- Driving in Alaska winter conditions and moose country
- Colorado mountain and winter driving
- Arizona dust storm driving
Related: the basic speed law, freeway driving and what to do after a crash. All US topics: learning to drive in the USA.
Common questions
Should I use high beams in snow or fog?
No. Use low beams. High beams reflect off snow and fog and make it harder to see.
What speed should I drive in snow?
California suggests about half your normal speed on packed snow and no more than 5 mph on ice. Go slower if you need to.
When do I have to dim my high beams?
Within 500 feet of an oncoming car in New York and Oregon. For a car ahead, 200 feet in New York and 350 feet in Oregon. Check your state.
Do I need my headlights on when it rains?
In New York, yes, whenever your wipers are on for rain, snow or sleet. California also tells drivers to use low beams in rain.
Which way do I steer in a skid?
In a rear-wheel skid, New York says to turn the wheel in the direction the car is trying to go. Do not slam the brakes.
Is it safe to use cruise control in the rain?
No. Oregon advises against cruise control on wet roads and in snow.
Sources
- California DMV, “California Driver’s Handbook: Safe Driving” (dmv.ca.gov)
- California DMV, “Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) Scoring Criteria” (dmv.ca.gov)
- New York State DMV, “New York State Driver’s Manual” (dmv.ny.gov)
- Oregon DMV, “Oregon Driver Manual: Safe and Responsible Driving, Hazardous Conditions” (oregon.gov)
- Oregon DMV, “Oregon Driver Manual: Testing” (oregon.gov)
- Oregon DMV, “Oregon Driver Manual 2026-2027” (Form 735-37) (oregon.gov)