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High-Beam Headlights: When Is It Legal To Use Them In Your State?

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By Susan Meyer Info icon
Updated April 2, 2025
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Susan Meyer

Senior Editorial Manager

Susan is a licensed insurance agent and has worked as a writer and editor for over 10 years across a number of industries. She has worked at The Zebr…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Beth Swanson

Insurance Analyst

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. A licensed insurance agent, she specializes in creating clear, accessible content t…

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Associate in Insurance
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  1. Pros of high beams
  2. Dangers of improper use
  3. High-beam headlight laws by state
  4. Tips for high-beam headlight use

The Rules and Risks of Using High-Beam Headlights

Despite far more drivers on the road during daylight hours, the majority of fatal car accidents happen at night. This is due to a number of factors, including drowsiness and higher rates of intoxicated drivers on the road, but one of the biggest is impaired vision. Night driving is dangerous because, even with headlights on, visibility is limited to 250 - 400 feet. This gives you less time to react to avoid an accident.[1]

High-beam headlights are a powerful tool for nighttime driving, especially in rural or poorly-lit areas. Designed to extend your visibility far beyond what low beams allow, high beams can make a significant difference in spotting obstacles, animals or road hazards in time to react.

But while they offer clear benefits, misusing high beams can also create serious dangers, especially for other drivers. For that reason, many states restrict how and when you can use them. Understanding the laws that govern high-beam headlight use in different states—is essential for safe and responsible driving.

The Benefits of High Beam Headlights

Improved Visibility at Night

High beams shine brighter and farther than low beams, typically illuminating the road up to 350–400 feet ahead.[2]

Helpful in Rural Areas

On highways or rural roads without streetlights, high beams can be a lifesaver. They help prevent overdriving your headlights—where your stopping distance exceeds the area illuminated by your lights.

Increased Reaction Time

The farther you can see ahead, the more time you have to respond to changing road conditions. High beams give drivers crucial extra seconds to react to danger.

The Dangers of Improper Use

Blinding Other Drivers

High beams can temporarily blind or disorient oncoming drivers or those ahead of you. This glare significantly increases the risk of an accident. Always switch to low beams when vehicles are approaching or when following another car closely.

Limited Effectiveness in Weather

Contrary to what some might think, high beams can actually reduce visibility in fog, rain or snow. The light reflects off the moisture in the air, creating a "white wall" effect that makes it harder to see.

Can Lead to Fines

It's important to know the laws in your state. Not following laws around high-beam or otherwise headlight usage can lead to traffic violations.

High-Beam Headlight Laws by State

High beam usage is generally regulated at the state level, and while laws are fairly consistent across the U.S., drivers should be aware of key differences.

State High Beams Must Be Dimmed When Approaching Traffic Is: High Beams Must Be Dimmed When Following a Vehicle: Additional Laws
Alabama Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
Alaska Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Arizona Within 500 feet Within 200 feet Cannot be used in fog.
Arkansas Within 500 feet Within 200 feet Cannot be used in rain, fog or snow.
California Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Colorado Within 500 feet Within 200 feet Cannot be used in fog.
Connecticut Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Delaware Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
Florida Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Georgia Within 500 feet Within 200 feet Not permitted in rain, fog or snow or smoke.
Hawaii Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Idaho Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
Illinois Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Indiana Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
Iowa Within 1,000 feet Within 400 feet
Kansas Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Kentucky Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Louisiana Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
Maine Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Maryland Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Massachusetts Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
Michigan Within 500 feet No Law
Minnesota Within 1,000 feet Within 200 feet
Mississippi Within 500 feet No Law
Missouri Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Montana Within 1,000 feet Within 500 feet
Nebraska Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
Nevada Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
New Hampshire Within 150 feet Within 150 feet
New Jersey Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
New Mexico Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
New York Within 500 feet Within 200 feet Should be dimmed when pedestrians are approaching.
North Carolina Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
North Dakota Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Ohio In sight In sight
Oklahoma Within 1,000 feet Within 600 feet
Oregon Within 500 feet Within 350 feet
Pennsylvania Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Rhode Island Within 500 feet Within 200 feet Not permitted in rain, fog or snow.
South Carolina Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
South Dakota Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
Tennessee Within 500 feet Within 500 feet
Texas Within 500 feet Within 300 feet Not permitted in rain, fog or snow or on lighted roads.
Utah Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
Vermont In sight In sight Not permitted in fog or on lighted roads.
Virginia Within 500 feet Within 200 feet
Washington, DC Within 500 feet Within 300 feet Should not be used when streetlights are present
Washington Within 500 feet Within 300 feet
West Virginia Within 500 feet Within 200 feet Not to be used in cities or town unless there is not street lighting.
Wisconsin Within 500 feet Within 500 feet
Wyoming Within 500 feet Within 300 feet

Most states require drivers to dim their high beams when approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet and when following another vehicle within 200 to 300 feet, but the exact distances vary. 

Some states discourage or prohibit high beam use in well-lit urban areas, where street lighting provides sufficient visibility. Using high beams in these areas can be more of a hazard than a help.

Newer vehicles are equipped with automatic high beam systems that turn their headlights on or off based on ambient light and nearby traffic. While these systems are generally legal, drivers are still responsible for ensuring their headlights don’t blind others.

 

Tips for Responsible High Beam Use

Regardless of the laws in your state, here are some practical tips for using your high beams safely:

  • Use high beams on open roads with no traffic.

  • Switch to low beams when you see headlights or taillights ahead.

  • Don’t use high beams in fog, snow or heavy rain.

  • Know your state’s specific laws and adjust your habits when driving in other states.

  • Keep your headlights clean and properly aimed.

Wrapping Up

High-beam headlights are a valuable tool in your driving arsenal, offering increased safety and visibility when used correctly. But with great power comes great responsibility. Misuse can endanger you and other drivers and sometimes even result in fines or legal trouble. By understanding how and when to use them—and brushing up on the laws in your state—you’ll be a safer, more courteous driver on the road.

Source

  1. The Most Dangerous Time to Drive. [NSC]

  2. High-Beam versus Low-Beam Headlights. [AutoZone]