When is it appropriate to use high beam headlights at night?

Using high beam headlights at night is appropriate whenever there is no traffic in front of you. High beams provide increased visibility to help you see further down the road, which is particularly useful in dark, rural areas or when the roadway is poorly lit.

Operating high beams in such conditions allows you to detect potential hazards that might not be visible with low beams, such as animals, pedestrians, or obstacles in the roadway. However, it's essential to switch to low beams when other vehicles are present to avoid blinding other drivers and maintaining safe driving conditions for everyone.

In busy cities, using high beams is often inappropriate due to the presence of streetlights and other vehicles, which may make low beams sufficient. In foggy conditions, high beams can actually reflect off the fog, creating a glare that reduces visibility. Similarly, when riding in a group, maintaining lower visibility with low beams helps ensure that the whole group is visible and avoids surprises for fellow riders.