When are high-beam headlights appropriate?

• A. In well-lit urban areas only
• B. Only at dusk
• C. In areas with street lighting and when there is oncoming traffic
• D. In areas without street lighting and when there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead; switch to low beams when approaching or following other vehicles

Answer: (D)

High beams should be used where your path is dark and empty, so you get the farthest possible visibility without risking blinding others. The best-fit rule is to use them in areas without street lighting and when there are no oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead. Switch to low beams as soon as you approach or follow other cars to prevent glare for them.

Choosing high beams in well-lit urban areas isn’t appropriate because the extra brightness isn’t needed and can still cause glare. Dusk isn’t reliable for using high beams because you can’t guarantee there won’t be oncoming traffic or pedestrians, and you should switch to low beams when other drivers are nearby. Using high beams in areas with street lighting or when there is oncoming traffic is unsafe because it can blind other drivers and pedestrians.