When is it appropriate to use high beam headlights?

• A. In rural areas with no oncoming traffic.
• B. In rural areas with no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead, switch to low beams when encountering other vehicles.
• C. Always use high beams regardless of traffic.
• D. Use high beams only when there is fog.

Answer: (B)

High beams are used to maximize visibility on dark, rural roads where there’s no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. They broadcast a longer, brighter light to help you spot hazards farther down the road. The safe practice is to switch to low beams as soon as you encounter another vehicle—whether it’s an oncoming driver or a vehicle you’re following—so you don’t blind others with the brighter light. This balance between seeing further and avoiding glare keeps everyone safer. High beams aren’t appropriate in fog, because fog reflects light back at you and reduces visibility, and they’re usually unnecessary in well-lit areas.