During what conditions are you required to switch to low beam headlights?

Switching to low beam headlights is particularly important when you are near oncoming traffic. High beam headlights can create glare that significantly reduces the visibility for drivers coming from the opposite direction. By using low beams, you ensure that your lights do not hinder the ability of other drivers to see the road clearly, which is critical for maintaining safety on shared roadways, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

While there are other conditions that may call for the use of low beams—such as in foggy weather where high beams can reflect off the fog and obscure visibility—the specific requirement to switch to low beams when encountering oncoming traffic is a fundamental rule of road safety. In urban areas, and at night, while it’s generally advised to use low beams, the key focus regarding the rule is primarily on the presence of other vehicles, specifically those approaching in the opposite lane.