When should you not use your high beams?

High beams are designed to illuminate the road ahead more brightly and effectively, but they can cause visibility issues for other drivers. It is crucial to dim your high beams when there is oncoming traffic or when driving behind another vehicle because the intense light can blind or distract other drivers. This is especially important at night when the contrast between the darkness and the bright light can create hazardous situations.

Using high beams under these circumstances can lead to dangerous driving conditions, as other drivers may struggle to see clearly, increasing the risk of an accident. Properly managing your headlights is a key part of safe driving etiquette and helps maintain visibility for everyone on the road. In contrast, using high beams in rural areas, on highways, or in poor weather conditions, while sometimes appropriate, should always be evaluated based on the presence of other vehicles to ensure overall safety.