When is it appropriate to use your high beams?

Using high beams is appropriate on open roads with no oncoming traffic and good visibility because they provide greater illumination than standard headlights. This increased light allows drivers to see further ahead and to better identify potential hazards or obstacles on the road. It enhances visibility during nighttime driving when there are no other vehicles present to create glare.

In busy city traffic, high beams can blind other drivers and create dangerous conditions. During heavy rain, they can reflect off the moisture in the air, causing visibility issues rather than improving it. Similarly, in foggy conditions, high beams can reflect back from the fog, leading to decreased visibility. Standard headlights are typically more effective in such situations, as they provide a wider and less intense beam that reduces glare.