When are you required to use your headlights?

The use of headlights during fog or heavy rain is crucial for maintaining visibility and ensuring safety. In these conditions, the standard tail lights and ambient street lighting may be insufficient for seeing the road and being seen by other drivers. Fog and heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility, making it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and lane markings.

Having headlights on helps improve visibility for both the driver and oncoming traffic. In foggy conditions, it is often recommended to use low beam headlights, as high beams can reflect off the moisture in the air and create glare, which can worsen visibility. Using headlights during heavy rain also enhances the visibility of your vehicle to others, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

In contrast, using headlights only at night may neglect important daytime conditions where visibility is compromised, such as inclement weather. Similarly, headlights are not generally required when parked in most situations, and while they may be beneficial in residential areas, they are primarily mandated by law in poor weather conditions to enhance safety for everyone on the road.