According to California Vehicle Code § 24409 (Use of Multiple Beams), when you operate a motor vehicle on California roads you must have headlights that provide a distribution of light high enough to allow you to see the road, people, and vehicles ahead.

“It is illegal to use or even flash high-beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. Also, dim your lights for pedestrians and cyclists. “If oncoming drivers do not dim their headlights, keep your eyes on the right edge of the road ahead. “Do not use high beams when behind other vehicles.

If you are driving with your high-beam lights on, you must dim them at least 500 ft from any oncoming vehicle, so you don’t blind the oncoming driver. You must use low-beam lights if you are within 200-300 ft of the vehicle you are following. Consult your state’s Drivers Handbook for details.

When you cannot see farther than 200 feet using low-beams, you should switch to high-beams, unless:

1. Another vehicle is within 200 feet and approaching you from the opposite direction.
2. You are less than 200 feet behind another vehicle.
3. Heavy rain, fog, or snow are present.

Flashing can indicate the intention to overtake or pass another driver, or to signal a driver who has just overtaken that he or she can now return to the original lane. Headlight flashing may constitute aggressive driving, and can be used in an attempt to intimidate others into speeding or otherwise driving unsafely.

Are high beams brighter than low beams? Yes. High beams will produce a greater amount of light but simply due to the angle and position within the headlight.

Wipe down the bulb with rubbing alcohol. If you do touch the glass of the headlight bulb, pour some rubbing alcohol on a rag and wipe the bulb down. This will remove the oils from your skin and prolong the life of the bulb. Be sure to wipe the bulb dry after cleaning it.

According to aftermarket parts retailer AutoZone, the average cost of a halogen bulb is about $15 to $20, while HID bulbs typically cost $100 or more. Addison says the average cost to replace an entire headlight assembly is $250 to $700.

Getting pulled over for having one headlight out In most states, it is required by law that headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise. Therefore, if you have a headlight burned out, it is possible (and likely even probable) that you’ll get pulled over.

High beams are designed to provide better visibility when driving in rural areas where street lights aren’t common. The water particles from the fog will reflect the light and actually make it more difficult to see. Keep your low beams on so other cars can see you.

It can create irritation. It causes you to want to shy away from it, and so as a result, it can cause a lot of reflexes to kind of close the eye, dim the eye, look away,” said Dr. Chester. Studies show long exposure to the lights can damage the retina.

Don’t use high-beam headlights. They won’t shine through the fog but just reflect the light back in your eyes, making it worse for you and other drivers. Use rear fog lights if you have them when visibility is less than around 300 feet. Fog lights should be turned off when visibility is normal.