Knowing when to turn on your headlights is essential for safe driving. The primary purpose of headlights is to illuminate the road ahead and to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. There is no specific time or condition for when you should turn on your headlights, as it depends on factors like weather, visibility, and local laws. Generally, headlights should be turned on in low light conditions or when visibility is reduced due to weather or other factors.
In most states, laws require drivers to turn on their headlights 30 minutes after sunset and keep them on until 30 minutes before sunrise. Additionally, it is necessary to use your headlights during daytime when poor weather like fog or heavy rain limits visibility. Low beams should be used in city driving at night when short-range light is sufficient, while high beams are appropriate for rural areas with minimal traffic.
Key Takeaways
- Turn on headlights in low light conditions or when weather limits visibility.
- Use low beams in city driving at night and high beams in rural areas with minimal traffic.
- Abide by state laws, typically requiring headlights 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
Exhaustive List of When Each State Requires Headlights
| State | Time of Day | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise | Code of Alabama § 32-5A-246 |
| Alaska | Daytime running lights required | Alaska Statutes § 28.35.230 |
| Arizona | 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise | Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-947 |
| Arkansas | 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise | Arkansas Code § 27-36-204 |
| California | 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise | California Vehicle Code § 24400 |
| Colorado | 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise | Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-204 |
| Connecticut | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Connecticut General Statutes § 14-96p |
| Delaware | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Delaware Code Title 21 § 4303 |
| Florida | 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise | Florida Statutes § 316.217 |
| Georgia | 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise | Georgia Code § 40-8-20 |
| Hawaii | 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise | Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291-32 |
| Idaho | From sunset to sunrise | Idaho Code § 49-903 |
| Illinois | Sunset to sunrise | Illinois Compiled Statutes Ch. 625 § 5/12-201 |
| Indiana | From sunset to sunrise | Indiana Code § 9-21-2-7 |
| Iowa | From sunset to sunrise | Iowa Code § 321.384 |
| Kansas | From sunset to sunrise | Kansas Statutes § 8-1703 |
| Kentucky | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.040 |
| Louisiana | From sunset to sunrise | Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:301 |
| Maine | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A § 2054 |
| Maryland | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before |
| Massachusetts | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 85 § 15 |
| Michigan | From sunset to sunrise | Michigan Vehicle Code § 257.684 |
| Minnesota | Sunset to sunrise | Minnesota Statutes § 169.48 |
| Mississippi | From sunset to sunrise | Mississippi Code § 63-7-63 |
| Missouri | From sunset to sunrise | Missouri Revised Statutes § 307.020 |
| Montana | From sunset to sunrise | Montana Code Annotated § 61-9-411 |
| Nebraska | From sunset to sunrise | Nebraska Revised Statutes § 60-6,240 |
| Nevada | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Nevada Revised Statutes § 484D.110 |
| New Hampshire | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 265:102 |
| New Jersey | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | New Jersey Statutes § 39:3-13.1 |
| New Mexico | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | New Mexico Statutes § 66-3-844 |
| New York | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375(2)(a)(i) |
| North Carolina | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | North Carolina General Statutes § 20-131 |
| North Dakota | Sunset to sunrise | North Dakota Century Code § 39-21-09 |
| Ohio | From sunset to sunrise | Ohio Revised Code § 4513.03 |
| Oklahoma | Half hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise | Oklahoma Statutes Title 47 § 12-201 |
| Oregon | From sunset to sunrise | Oregon Revised Statutes § 816.320 |
| Pennsylvania | From sunset to sunrise | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 75 § 4303 |
| Rhode Island | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Rhode Island General Laws § 31-23-6 |
| South Carolina | From half hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise | South Carolina Code § 56-5-4450 |
| State | Time of Day | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | From sunset to sunrise | South Dakota Codified Laws § 32-17-4 |
| Tennessee | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Tennessee Code § 55-9-402 |
| Texas | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Texas Transportation Code § 547.302 |
| Utah | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Utah Code § 41-6a-1506 |
| Vermont | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Vermont Statutes Title 23 § 1126 |
| Virginia | One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise | Virginia Code § 46.2-1030 |
| Washington | From sunset to sunrise | Revised Code of Washington § 46.37.020 |
| West Virginia | From sunset to sunrise | West Virginia Code § 17C-15-46 |
| Wisconsin | From sunset to sunrise | Wisconsin Statutes § 347.13 |
| Wyoming | From sunset to sunrise | Wyoming Statutes § 31-5-930 |
When Should You Turn on Low Beam Headlights?
Low beam headlights should be turned on whenever visibility is reduced, such as during rain, sleet, fog, or other adverse weather conditions. These headlights allow you to see up to about 200 feet and are suitable for speeds up to 25 mph.
During nighttime driving, it’s essential to turn on your low-beam headlights to ensure proper visibility and to make your vehicle more visible to others. Similarly, in the early morning, use your low beams before sunrise when visibility may be limited. In fact, some states have laws requiring headlights to be turned on within 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
In specific weather conditions, such as fog, low beam headlights are more effective than high-beam headlights, as they don’t cause excessive glare. Additionally, switching on your fog lights can further enhance visibility during foggy conditions. When driving on narrow two-lane highways or rural and mountain roads, low beam headlights are also recommended to help you see better and avoid potential hazards.
Remember to always assess the road conditions and your surroundings, ensuring that you’re using the proper headlights for the situation. By turning on your low beam headlights when needed, you’ll improve your visibility, making your journey safer and more enjoyable.
When Should Your Headlights Be on High Beam?
High beams can significantly improve your visibility when driving at night or in low-light conditions. They’re particularly useful on highways, rural roads, and mountain roads where street lighting is scarce. However, using high beams inappropriately can be hazardous to other drivers. Here’s when and how to use your high beams safely.
On highways and rural roads with no street lighting, your high beams can be a great asset in seeing farther ahead and identifying potential hazards. When driving on mountain roads with numerous twists and turns, high beam headlights can illuminate the road ahead, helping you navigate safely.
However, it’s essential to switch back to low beams when you have oncoming traffic or are following another vehicle closely. As a rule of thumb, turn off your high beams when you’re within 500 feet of oncoming traffic or a few hundred feet behind another car, as to not blind fellow motorists source.
In summary, utilize your high beams on highways, rural roads, and mountain roads when street lighting is insufficient, but be mindful of other drivers and switch to low beams when needed. Stay safe and keep your journeys well-lit!
This entertaining video explains in more detail when you should use your highbeams:
What Headlight Should I Use at Night?
Choosing the right headlight setting at night is essential for both your safety and the safety of others on the road. Generally, you need to use your low beam headlights when driving at night, especially in urban areas where short-range light is sufficient and roads are well-lit1. Low beams provide enough visibility without blinding oncoming drivers or causing glare.
In rural areas or on dark highways with less traffic, it might be necessary to use your high beam headlights to improve visibility and spot potential hazards2. However, you should always switch back to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet or when you are following another vehicle within 200 feet3. This will prevent blinding other drivers and ensure a safe driving experience for everyone.
It’s crucial to note that poor weather conditions like fog or rain may reduce visibility, making it necessary to switch back to low beams even on dark roads4. High beams can create glare in these situations, further reducing visibility. So, remember to use your headlights appropriately to maintain clear visibility and safe driving at night.
Footnotes
- When to Use Your Headlights | DMV.ORG ↩
- When Should You Use Your Headlights? – CarParts.com ↩
- Headlight Use Laws for All 50 States | YourMechanic Advice ↩
- When Must You Use Your Headlights (When Are They Required vs. Not) ↩
When Should You Switch from High Beams to Low Beams?
It’s essential to know when to switch from high beams to low beams, as this can significantly impact your safety and the safety of others on the road. High beams provide better visibility by illuminating a greater distance, which is helpful in certain low-visibility situations. However, using high beams inappropriately can blind oncoming traffic or the driver in front of you, leading to dangerous situations.
To avoid blinding oncoming traffic, switch to low beams when another vehicle is within 200 feet and approaching you from the opposite direction. In addition, if you are less than 200 feet behind another vehicle, it’s best to use low beams to ensure the driver in front of you is not distracted or blinded by your headlights.
Furthermore, specific weather conditions may also require you to switch to low beams. During heavy rain, fog, or snow, using high beams can reduce visibility, as the light can reflect off particles in the air. In these situations, it’s safer to use your low beams, as they provide short-range light sufficient for city driving and poor weather conditions.
So, remember to be attentive and considerate while driving and switch between high and low beams as needed to keep everyone on the road safe.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to turning on your headlights, it’s crucial to know the right times to do so. Generally, the rule of thumb is to turn on your headlights during dusk and dawn. In fact, most state laws require you to switch them on 30 minutes after sunset and keep them on until 30 minutes before sunrise. Ensuring your headlights are on at appropriate times enhances your visibility to other drivers and promotes safety on the road.
Headlights also play a significant role in bad weather conditions. Regardless of the time of day, if the weather is foggy, rainy, or snowy, make sure your headlights are on to improve visibility and allow other drivers to see your vehicle easily. Keep in mind that you should dim your headlights when an oncoming vehicle is within 500-700 feet to avoid blinding the other driver.
It’s essential to understand headlight etiquette and be familiar with your state’s laws regarding headlight use. This knowledge helps you drive safely and courteously, creating a better driving experience for everyone on the road. So, remember to switch on your headlights when necessary and follow the guidelines mentioned above—doing so can make all the difference in ensuring a safe journey. Until next time…
Safe travels.
