When do headlights need to be activated

Exactly when do I need to turn on my headlights? The three situations where you have to have your headlights and taillights on are: Anytime between sunset and sunrise that one's a no-brainer. DPS Blog. Archive Expand All Collapse All. Spanish Hmong Somali. Page Content Exactly when do I need to turn on my headlights?

October September August July June May April March February January Even earlier, a couple of cars had headlights that swivelled when turning, including the experimental and ill-fated Tucker. But in addition to being a lot more common, these modern systems depend on far more sophisticated technology. Your daytime running lights will be on, of course, but very few of them also illuminate the rear lights that other drivers need to see you in rain or snow.

Mandatory changes are coming that will require front and rear lighting, but not for another couple of years. Automatic high-beam headlights help solve two issues. They shut off the brighter lights as needed to avoid blinding occupants of oncoming vehicles.

Like automatic headlights, the system is driver-selectable. Most commonly, the driver leaves the high-beam switch on all the time and activates a second button for the automatic function.

The system uses a forward-facing camera, usually mounted in or near the rearview mirror. As soon as other lights are detected, the system turns the high-beam headlights off, and then switches them back on again once the light disappears. The few old cars that had swivelling headlights used a mechanical connection to the steering gear to turn them.

On some vehicles, supplementary cornering lights might come on to add extra lighting to the side of the road. The motors may also react to sensors that determine if the vehicle is going up an incline or into a dip, and move the lights up or down to keep the beams level. Of course, technology is always forging ahead, and one of the goals with lighting is to eliminate as many moving parts as possible.

Other companies are also improving their headlights. If an oncoming vehicle is closer than m away you need to dip your headlights, too. You can use your full beam headlights even if there are streetlights, but be courteous to road users other than cars, such as cyclists and pedestrians. If you want to park your vehicle for a short time, and it is night time, keep the vehicle as visible as possible without compromising other road users - pick a visible position and leave your parking or hazard lights on.

High beam headlights can usually be activated by pushing the headlight control wand forwards, after which a blue light will appear on your dashboard; some vehicles differ in how this operates, though. Avoid looking at the headlights of oncoming vehicles because it will cause your pupils to contract and make you less able to see hazards. If you are dazzled, look at the left of the road, slow down and stop if necessary until your eyes recover.