High beams, also known as full beams, are one of the most important lighting systems on a vehicle.
In short, they ensure visibility when driving at night or in low light conditions, but their incorrect use can pose a danger to other drivers.
In this article, find out when to use high beams, the color permitted by law, and what the Highway Code says about their use.
What Are The High Beams For?
High beams are long-range headlights installed at the front of the vehicle.
Their main function is to illuminate the road at great distances, allowing the driver to see obstacles, curves, and signs earlier when driving at night.
They are essential on rural roads, highways, or roads without street lighting, ensuring safety and visibility on low-light routes.
What Are High Beams?
High beams are part of a car’s main lighting system and differ from low beams (dipped headlights) and parking lights (side lights) in that they have a more intense and higher beam.
They emit a white or yellow light and have an average range of up to 100 meters, illuminating the entire width of the roadway.
How Many High Beams Should Cars Have?
Light and heavy vehicles usually have two high beams. Motorcycles, on the other hand, only have one high beam.
What Color Should High Beams?
This information may depend on the legislation of each country, but normally, the color of high beams should be white or yellow.
These colors ensure maximum visibility without compromising the perception of distance and contrast of objects on the road.
The use of blue, red, or other colored lights may be prohibited under your country’s legislation and may result in severe fines.
What Is The Average Range Of High Beams?
High beams should illuminate a distance of 100 meters. This distance allows the driver to see obstacles, signs, and curves far enough in advance to react safely.
In modern vehicles with LED or xenon headlights, this range can be even greater, but it is important not to exceed the legal limits for light intensity and direction.
Is it permitted to use high beams within built-up areas?
This information may vary depending on the legislation in your country. However, in many countries, the use of high beams within built-up areas is prohibited, except in cases where there is a total absence of street lighting and when there is no oncoming traffic.
In these cases, you should switch to low beams, which have a shorter beam and are directed toward the ground.
When Should You Use High Beams While Driving?
High beams should only be turned on in conditions of poor visibility, such as at night, outside built-up areas, or on unlit rural roads.
The aim is to improve visibility in front of the vehicle, especially on long journeys or in areas with sharp bends.
However, you should turn them off whenever there is a risk of dazzling other drivers.
Can High Beams Dazzle Other Drivers?
Yes. Therefore, it is essential to use them only when there are no vehicles nearby.
The glare caused by high beams can temporarily reduce the vision of oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of road accidents.
To avoid this, headlights must be correctly aligned and adjusted, a task that can be done at a car repair shop with headlight adjustment equipment.
When Is It Prohibited to Use High Beams?
This information may vary according to your country’s Highway Code. Some countries have laws that high beams cannot be used if they may dazzle other road users. This includes situations such as:
- Approaching oncoming vehicles;
- Heavy traffic;
- Driving in urban areas;
- Adequate visibility conditions with street lighting.
Ignoring this rule may result in a traffic violation, subject to a fine.
What Tools Are Needed to Replace Headlights?
Replacing headlights is a simple task, but it requires care and the right tools.
To replace the headlight correctly, you must ensure that the electrical system is turned off and use the right tools to avoid damaging the fittings.
The most commonly used tools are:
- Screwdriver or torx wrench, depending on the headlight model;
- Protective gloves to avoid direct contact with the bulb;
- Multimeter to check that power is reaching the socket;
- New bulb compatible with the vehicle model;
- Manufacturer’s manual, which indicates the type of bulb and the correct procedure.
Avoid touching the bulb glass directly, as the oil from your hands can reduce the bulb’s durability and affect the intensity of the light.
Summary Table on High Beams
To comply with high beam requirements, see the summary table below, which lists the main characteristics of high beams.
| Characteristic | Detail |
| Color | White or yellow. |
| Range | Up to approximately 100 meters away. |
| Number | 2 on light vehicles and 1 on motorcycles. |
| Main function | To illuminate the road at long distances in areas without adequate lighting. |
| Location | Integrated into the headlights. |
High beams are essential for night driving, but you must use them responsibly.
Knowing when and where to turn them on is essential to ensure safety, avoid fines, and protect all road users.
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