In what situation should a driver use their high beam headlights?

Using high beam headlights is appropriate on unlit rural roads when no other vehicles are present. High beams illuminate a greater distance and provide better visibility in dark areas where street lighting is scarce. This is crucial for detecting obstacles, wildlife, or other potential hazards that might not be visible with low beams.

On the other hand, in well-lit city streets, using high beams can cause glare for other drivers and is generally unnecessary. In construction zones, the presence of workers and equipment may require lower lights to avoid blinding them and to comply with specific regulations that may dictate lighting conditions. During heavy traffic conditions, using high beams can be especially disruptive because the bright lights can dazzle drivers in front of you or in adjacent lanes, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, the safest practice is to reserve high beams for dark, rural roadways when there is minimal risk of interfering with other road users.