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DMV Permit · Speed Limits

When driving at night, when should a driver switch from high beams to low beams?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

When an oncoming vehicle is within approximately 500 feet (150 metres) AND when following another vehicle within 300 feet (90 metres) — high beams can blind oncoming drivers and reflect off mirrors blinding the driver ahead

  1. A When street lights are present
  2. B When an oncoming vehicle is within approximately 500 feet (150 metres) AND when following another vehicle within 300 feet (90 metres) — high beams can blind oncoming drivers and reflect off mirrors blinding the driver ahead
  3. C Never — high beams are always better at night
  4. D Only in city driving

Why this is the answer

High beam etiquette and law:

Oncoming traffic: Dim to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet (varies by state: 300-500 feet) — high beams directly into an oncoming driver's eyes cause temporary blindness (glare); the affected driver cannot see for several seconds after the bright light passes.

Following traffic: Dim to low beams when following within 300 feet — high beams reflect in the vehicle's mirrors, blinding the driver ahead.

Use high beams: When no vehicles are within range; on dark rural roads; when you can safely see further ahead.

Automatic high beams: Some modern vehicles have auto-dimming systems — these are helpful but not always reliable; manual control remains important.

Tunnel and fog: Use LOW beams in fog (high beams reflect off fog droplets, reducing visibility further) and in tunnels per posted requirements.

Source: DMV Rules of the Road — High Beam and Low Beam Use

Practice more questions

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About this topic: Speed Limits

Speed limit questions cover the default limits in school zones, residential areas, business districts and highways, the basic speed rule (never faster than conditions allow) and how to adjust speed for weather and traffic. This is one of 11 Rules of the Road questions on speed limits, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our DMV Permit exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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State-specific guides

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