Texas Driver's License Knowledge TestSafe Driving PracticesMedium
A driver is driving at night on an unlit road and encounters an oncoming vehicle. When must the driver switch from high beams to low beams?
- AWhen the oncoming vehicle is 250 feet away.
- BWhen the oncoming vehicle is 1,000 feet away.
- CWhen the oncoming vehicle is 750 feet away.
- DWhen the oncoming vehicle is 500 feet away.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. When the oncoming vehicle is 500 feet away.
According to the Texas Driver Handbook, drivers must dim their high beams to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet to prevent blinding the other driver.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 250 feet is too close; dimming this late could still temporarily blind the oncoming driver.
- B. 1,000 feet is further than required; dimming at this distance is not mandated.
- C. 750 feet is further than required; dimming at this distance is not mandated.
High Beam Usage Rules
High beams provide greater visibility but must be dimmed to low beams when approaching oncoming vehicles within 500 feet or when following another vehicle within 300 feet.
- Dim for oncoming traffic (500ft).
- Dim when following (300ft).
- Use only when necessary for visibility.
Memory trick: Five hundred feet, you dim the bright light, or cause a driver's fright!