When was the last time you thought about your vehicle\u2019s headlights? Do you know which headlights to use during fog, rain, sleet, or snow? How can you increase visibility and reduce glare?<\/p>\n
While headlights may not always be top of mind, in order to keep the roads safe for yourself and others, it\u2019s important to periodically check your headlights and know how and when to use them.<\/p>\n
Use this guide to learn about headlights, headlight laws, and\u00a0how to improve road safety for everyone.<\/p>\n
The law requires that you have two functioning headlights that are to be turned on whenever it is dark out, usually from sunset to sunrise. In Tennessee and Georgia, headlights are required to be turned on 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, when visibility it low, and in adverse weather conditions.<\/p>\n
These conditions make it harder to see other vehicles. Turning on your headlights will simultaneously turn on your taillights, significantly reducing the chances of a rear-end collision.<\/p>\n
GEORGIA<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Headlights are required to be on 1\/2 hour after sunset to 1\/2 hour before sunrise, when visibility is less than 500 feet, and in conditions of insufficient light\/adverse weather.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n TENNESSEE<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Headlights are required 1\/2 hour after sunset to 1\/2 hour before sunrise, during fog, smoke, or rain and when visibility is less than 200 feet.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n In some states, headlights are required anytime the vehicle\u2019s windshield wipers are on in continuous use. This indicates the presence of rain, sleet, snow. Other states require motorists to turn on headlights in construction zones.<\/p>\n Most states require high beams to be dimmed within 500 feet of another vehicle.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> for a list of headlight laws by state.<\/em><\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> When driving in a foreign country, read up on the headlight laws. Many countries, such as Scandinavia, require 24-hour headlight use.<\/p>\n You may think it unnecessary to drive around with headlights on during the day, but they when there are varying light conditions, car with lights on are much safer and more visible.<\/p>\n Daytime headlight use is highly recommended (and sometimes required) during adverse weather conditions, such as fog, smoke, rain, snow, sleet, or when visibility is less than 500 feet.<\/p>\n Turn on your lights whenever you see a \u201cdaylight headlight section\u201d <\/strong>sign.<\/p>\n The Department of Motor Vehicles<\/a> recommends the use of headlights during the day when:<\/strong><\/p>\n If you are having a hard time seeing other cars, turn your headlights on. They are probably having trouble see you too. Don\u2019t forget to turn your headlights off when you park.<\/p>\n Depending on the make and model of your car, you may have daytime running lights (low-voltage headlights) to increase visibility and enhance safety on the road. Even though visibility is normally clear during daytime hours, cars with DRLs are easier to spot than cars without them. They also let people know if the car is approaching or receding. Nearly all cars manufactured today include DRLs.<\/p>\n Studies<\/a> have shown that 24-hour headlight use with DRLs can reduce the chance of daytime collisions by 5-10 percent.<\/p>\n How do they work?<\/strong> Simple\u2014they work automatically. If you have DRLs, they will turn on when the engine turns on and turn off when the engine turns off.<\/p>\n Daytime running lights can consist of your parking lights<\/strong> and LED lights around your headlights and taillights.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n While DRLs reduce your risk of collisions during the day, they are not suitable for nighttime driving. Make sure you turn your other headlights on when it gets dark or the weather turns for the worse.<\/p>\n While the increase in road safety may be small, there is no real drawbacks to using your headlights during the day. If you have an older vehicle, consider using your existing headlights 24 hours a day to reduce the use of daytime collisions.<\/em><\/p>\n While no state currently requires 24-hour headlight use, several states have introduced bills to make headlight use mandatory at all times. Keep on the lookout for certain roads that require daytime headlight use.<\/p>\n Source: Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n In order to maintain safety on the roads for yourself and other drivers, it\u2019s important to switch your headlights to the proper setting according to the location, weather, and time of day.<\/p>\n High beams are typically used on dark rural roads without much traffic. When there are no streetlights on the road, high beams can help you see further down the road to avoid hitting animals, pedestrians, and debris.<\/p>\n Consider using your high beams on:<\/strong><\/p>\n Always abide by your state\u2019s laws concerning headlights and high beams<\/a>. High beams can be blinding and very dangerous for other vehicles on the road. Most states require high beams to be dimmed within 500 feet of another vehicle.<\/p>\n If you are driving with your high beams on, make sure you switch to low beams<\/strong> whenever there is oncoming traffic or you are approaching a vehicle from behind.<\/p>\n Avoid using high beams when other vehicles are around. Turn them off if you see oncoming vehicles or are driving in an urban area.<\/p>\n Use your low beams, also known as dipped headlights, when:<\/strong><\/p>\n When driving in fog, use your low-beam headlights or fog lights (if equipped). Do not use fog lights on clear nights as they can irritate other drivers.<\/p>\n Source: <\/em>Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Main Beam\/High Beam Headlights<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 Your high beam dashboard light is usually blue with parallel horizontal lines. While these lights provide better visibility at night, they are not to be used whenever other cars are around. Use them mainly for dark rural and country roads. Never have them on when driving the highway.<\/p>\n To activate the high beams, consult your owner\u2019s manual<\/a>. Many times, it involves pushing the lever toward the instrument panel. To deactivate, pull the lever towards you. The high beam indicator light will illuminate on the dashboard.<\/p>\n You can also use your main beams to communicate with other drivers. Rather than using your horn, a quick flash of the high beams can let someone know their headlights are off.<\/p>\n Source: <\/em>Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Low Beam\/Dipped Headlights<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Your normal headlights, also known as low beam or dipped headlights, point downward to reduce glare for oncoming traffic.<\/p>\n Use your dipped headlights between sunset and sunrise or whenever weather conditions make it hard to see. If fog is present and fog lights are not equipped, use your low beams.<\/p>\n Many motorists choose to use their dipped headlights during daytime hours to increase visibility (if daytime running lights are not equipped).<\/p>\n Source: <\/em>Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Fog Lights<\/u><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>Fog lights cast a low, broad beam that helps increase visibility in foggy, misty, or hazy conditions. However, driving with them on in normal weather conditions is dangerous\u00a0<\/strong>as they annoy other drivers and can\u00a0cause accidents<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If equipped, you can switch to fog lamp mode using the main headlamp control. For proper operation, consult your owner\u2019s manual<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source: <\/em>Wikimedia Commons<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Side Lights<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Side lights are the small, white lights on the front corners of your headlights. In some cars, the sidelight indicators will turn on when the normal headlights are in use.<\/p>\n Usually, when your side lights are on, the rear taillights and license plate lights will also turn on.<\/p>\n If your low beam lights are not working, use your side lights. It will at least show that you are a car (not a motorcycle) and will alert others whether you are approaching or receding.<\/p>\n Here are some additional headlight tips to increase safety on the road:<\/strong><\/p>\n Read our other articles for more driving safety tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n Auto Simple<\/a>\u00a0wants to help you\u00a0find the perfect vehicle<\/a>.<\/p>\n With\u00a0locations<\/a>\u00a0in Cleveland, Chattanooga, Dayton, and a new store in Dalton, GA, we make it easy to walk away with your dream car.<\/p>\n If you have any questions, don\u2019t hesitate to speak with one of our\u00a0Online Specialists<\/a>\u00a0or give us a call:<\/p>\n Chattanooga, TN \u2013\u00a0(423) 551-3600<\/p>\n Cleveland, TN \u2013\u00a0(423) 476-4600<\/p>\n Dayton, TN \u2013\u00a0(423) 775-4600<\/p>\n Dalton,\u00a0GA\u00a0\u2013 (706) 217-CARS (2277)<\/p>\n Follow us on social media for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining cars:\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Youtube<\/a>, and\u00a0Google+<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When was the last time you thought about your vehicle\u2019s headlights? Do you know which headlights to use during fog, rain, sleet, or snow? How can you increase visibility and reduce glare? While headlights may not always be top of mind, in order to keep the roads safe for yourself and others, it\u2019s important to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3408,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15,22],"tags":[83,212,245,271,289,307,308,309,351,355,470,488,506,543,618,630],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\t\nWhen to Use Headlights During the Day<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
What Are Daytime Running Lights (DRL)?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
When to Use High Beams, Low Beams, and Fog Lights<\/strong><\/h2>\n
High Beams<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Low Beams<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Fog Lights<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Dashboard Headlight Symbols \u2013 Are Your Lights On?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
High Beam Indicator Light<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Low Beam Indicator Light<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Fog Light Indicator Light<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Side Light Indicator Lights<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tips for Headlights and Road Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n