Which headlights should be on at night: rules, fines and settings

Driving at night is always an increased responsibility, because it is in the dark that the largest number of serious accidents occur. The main reason lies not only in driver fatigue, but also in the incorrect use of lighting devices. Many car enthusiasts still don’t know exactly what lights should be on at a specific moment while driving on the highway or in the city.

The lack of a clear understanding of the rules leads to the fact that drivers are either blinded by oncoming cars, or the car becomes invisible to other road users. This creates dangerous situations that can be easily prevented. In this article we will analyze in detail the legal requirements and technical aspects of the operation of automotive optics.

We will look at the difference between headlight operating modes and find out how to avoid fines. Correct setup and timely switching of modes is the key to your safety. It is also important to understand that requirements may vary depending on weather conditions and the type of road surface.

Traffic regulations requirements for the use of light at night

The traffic rules clearly regulate when and which lighting devices should be turned on. According to basic standards, at night, all moving vehicles must have high or low beam headlights on. This is a fundamental rule, violation of which entails administrative liability.

The situation becomes more complicated when it comes to populated areas. If on the illuminated streets of the city there is enough low beam, then on unlit sections of roads the rules require a more careful approach. The driver is obliged to ensure visibility of the road ahead, but not to interfere with others.

⚠️ Warning: Driving with your headlights off at night is considered driving blind. This is not only the risk of an accident, but also a direct threat to the lives of pedestrians, who become practically invisible in dark clothes.

There is also the concept of “insufficient visibility”, when the road is not visible for 300 meters. In such conditions, even if it is day on the calendar, but it is raining or foggy, night driving rules apply. It is the head light that needs to be turned on, not just the headlights.

Low and high beam: when to switch

The main dilemma for most drivers is the timely switching between low and high beams. High beam is necessary outside the city in unlit areas, as it allows you to see obstacles at a distance of up to 100 meters. However, its use is strictly limited in populated areas.

It is necessary to switch to low beam not only when an oncoming car appears, but also when you are catching up with another vehicle. A bright beam of light, reflected in the mirrors of the car in front, instantly blinds the driver. This can lead to loss of control and driving into oncoming traffic.

Technically, switching is carried out by a lever under the steering wheel. In modern cars with the system Auto This process is often automated, but you should not rely entirely on electronics. Light sensors may not respond in time if there is a sudden change in light.

• 🚗 Switch to low beam 150 meters before an oncoming car.
• 🚙 Reduce your speed and switch to low beams if the car in front slows down.
• 🚌 In populated areas with artificial lighting, always use only dipped beam.
• 🚕 When driving in heavy traffic, high beams create glare in the mirrors of all traffic participants.

How does the automatic light switching system work?

Modern systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield. It analyzes light spots from oncoming cars and automatically switches modes. However, in heavy rain or snow, the system may not work correctly, so manual control is required.

However, you should not abuse this signal, as it may be perceived incorrectly.

Using fog lights (FTL) at night

Fog lights are a separate class of lighting fixtures that are often misused. Many drivers turn them on “for beauty” or together with the high beams, which is a serious mistake. Main purpose PTF — illumination of the roadside and edge of the road in poor visibility conditions.

The light beam of the fog lights has a clear upper border and spreads low above the ground. This allows you to cut through fog, rain or snowfall without creating the "white wall" effect in front of the driver's eyes, which occurs when light is reflected from water droplets.

⚠️ Attention: Using PTF on a clear night without main light is prohibited. Bright white or yellow lights from below can disorient oncoming drivers and create the illusion of a large truck approaching.

According to the rules, fog lights can only be used independently in conditions of poor visibility. On a normal clear night, they should only light up in conjunction with the low or high beam headlights. This helps to better indicate the dimensions of the car on the road.

Rear fog lights (red) are even more restrictive. Their brightness is comparable to brake lights, and in clear weather they can blind the driver of a car behind. They should only be turned on in very thick fog or heavy rain.

Comparison of lamp types and their impact on safety

The choice of lamp type directly affects the quality of lighting and driving safety at night. On the modern market there are halogen, xenon and LED (LED) light sources. Each of them has its own characteristics of spectrum and brightness.

Halogen bulbs are the standard and are the cheapest to replace, but produce a yellowish light that is less effective at cutting through fog. Xenon and LED provide bright white light with high contrast, which improves the perception of road markings and signs. However, their installation in headlights not intended for this purpose is prohibited.

Below is a comparative table of the main characteristics of various types of lamps used in automotive optics:

Lamp type	Service life (hours)	Brightness (Lumens)	Color temperature
Halogen	500 - 1000	1000 - 1500	3200K (Yellow)
Xenon	2000 - 3000	3000 - 3500	4300K (White)
LED	10000 - 30000	4000 - 6000	5000K+ (Cool White)
Laser	10000+	up to 10000	5500K (Specific)

It is worth noting that the high brightness of LEDs requires perfect focusing. If the headlight is designed for halogen, installing an LED lamp will result in the light being scattered chaotically. This creates a “mess” on the road instead of a clear cut-off threshold.

Adjusting the light beam: instructions and nuances

Even the most expensive headlights will not work correctly if they are not adjusted. Over time, the suspension springs sag and the headlight angle changes. The light begins to hit either the sky or the asphalt a few meters from the bumper.

To test it yourself, you will need a flat area and a wall. Having approached the wall at a distance of 5-7 meters, you need to mark the centers of the headlights and the center of the car. Then the low beam is turned on and the position of the cut-off line is checked.

Adjustment is carried out with special screws located on the headlight housing. Usually there are two of them: one is responsible for the vertical (up and down), the second for the horizontal (left and right). Some cars have an electric corrector in the cabin, which allows you to change the angle of inclination depending on the load in the trunk.

If you notice that after adjusting the light is still not shining correctly, the problem may be with the headlight itself. The plastic could become cloudy and the reflector could burn out. In this case, only polishing or replacing the optics will help.

Liability and penalties for improper use of light

Violation of the rules for the use of external lighting devices is classified under the Code of Administrative Offenses. Most often, drivers receive fines for not having low beams or using high beams in populated areas.

The most serious punishment comes for installing non-standard equipment. If the headlights are marked HC/HR (designed for halogen) xenon or LED are installed, this is considered a modification to the vehicle design. In this case, you face not only a fine, but also the cancellation of the car’s registration.

• 💡 Driving with headlights off at night - a warning or a fine.
• 💡 Dazzle by high beams is a penalty (often recorded by cameras with a light-fixing function).
• 💡 Incorrect installation of lamps - a fine and a ban on operation.
• 💡 Faulty headlights (glass broken, lamp burnt out) - fine.

⚠️ Attention: If you repeatedly violate the rules for installing light devices or refuse to fix the problem, the traffic police officer has the right to confiscate the driver’s license before trial.

It is important to keep your headlights clean. Dirt on the glass reduces the efficiency of the luminous flux by up to 80%. In addition, if the car is equipped with headlight washers, they must be in good working order, especially if xenon is installed.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive at night with only daytime running lights (DRLs)?

No, DRLs are only intended to indicate the vehicle during daylight hours. At night, they do not illuminate the road or illuminate the rear lights, which makes the car invisible from behind. At night, be sure to turn on the low or high beams.

What should I do if I am blinded by an oncoming car?

Don't look at the light source. Turn your gaze to the right shoulder or markings at the right edge of the road. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Flashing your high beams can help, but is not always effective against inappropriate drivers.

Do I need to turn on the PTF if the low beam is on?

Under normal conditions this is not required. PTFs are additionally activated only in conditions of fog, rain or snowfall to improve roadside visibility. On a clear night, they only create an extra load on the power grid and blind oncoming people.

Is there a fine for one burned out light bulb?

Formally, malfunction of external lighting devices is grounds for a fine. However, in practice, for one burnt-out light bulb or low beam, a warning is often issued, requiring the fault to be eliminated. But if the headlight on one side does not work, this is already a risk of an accident.