No, it is not completely illegal to drive with your high beams on, but the rules and regulations regarding that are super strict in the United States. That is why the confusion arises that it could be that these types of headlights may be banned or illegal to drive with, but that’s not factually true. See, there are times or instances where if you are caught driving with high beams on, then no doubt, you’ll be handed a ticket or a huge fine. For a better understanding, just keep on reading.
What Are High Beams?
High beams, commonly referred to as brights, are the most powerful lights in your car that help you see at a greater distance than normal low beam headlights. In general, they are designed for use on dark, open roads like rural highways or places without street lights.
And just like that, sure enough, low beams are headlights used during normal driving conditions. The light they emit is directed downwards and they are designed for urban areas, busy streets, and situations where there are other vehicles around.
High beams certainly have their uses, but their benefits are limited to situations when they are used properly. One of the safety hazards associated with their misuse is that they may cause other drivers to be distracted or temporarily blinded when driving down the road.
Who Makes the Rules for High Beams?
Most of the time, it is believed that the U.S. has a single federal law that governs the use of headlights, but this is not true. Each state has its own set of traffic laws. But the thing is, pretty much in every state of the country, you’ll find laws that are super similar.
In general, drivers are required to dim their high beams when:
- An oncoming vehicle is within about 500 feet
- You are following another vehicle within 200 to 300 feet
When Is It Illegal to Use High Beams?
- When Other Vehicles Are Nearby: Switching to low beams is a must when another car is coming or when you drive behind one. Not doing this is against the law in nearly all states. The reason is that the flash of the light from the high beams can make the eyes of the other drivers be sensitive, so the legislation is very strict as regards their use.
- During Bad Weather: When it comes to fog, rain, or snow, you should not use your high beams. The light reflects off the moisture in the air and causes glare instead of providing you with better visibility. In fact, most states prohibit or at least strongly discourage the use of high beams in such situations. Low beams or fog lights would be the safest choice.
- On Well-Lit Roads or in Cities: High beams are not needed in cities, on downtown streets, or where there are streetlights. Blinding of other drivers and pedestrians can occur if you use high beams in these areas and in most states, it can lead to a traffic stop.
- If One Headlight Is Not Working: It is not permitted to rely on high beams to make up for a broken low beam. The act of driving with one of the lights not working is still classified as dangerous, and a defective headlight may result in a distinct ticket.
General State Rules at a Glance
Though the specifics differ a bit, the general principle is very clear everywhere: you have to lower your high beams if the other vehicle’s driver would be in your light.
It’s generally about 500 feet in most states for facing traffic and 200-300 feet when you are behind another vehicle. Some states, like Montana, even extend these distances further. There are also a few states that set further limitations on the use of high-beams in the fog or on illuminated streets.
Basically, you are allowed to use high beams on unlit, deserted roads.
