When should you use high-beam headlights?

Using high-beam headlights is most appropriate in dark conditions where there is no oncoming traffic. High beams provide greater illumination of the road ahead, revealing obstacles, road signs, and curves that might not be as visible with standard low beams. When driving in remote areas or open highways during nighttime, high beams help improve visibility significantly, allowing drivers to see farther and more clearly in situations where street lighting is insufficient.

When utilizing high beams, it is important to ensure that they are switched off when encountering other vehicles to prevent blinding other drivers, which is why their use is restricted in presence of oncoming traffic. The other circumstances listed—bright daylight, city driving, and foggy conditions—do not warrant the use of high beams; rather, they can create visibility issues or be ineffective. For instance, in foggy conditions, high beams can reflect off the fog, creating a glare that impairs vision further, hence low beams are recommended.