Florida Class E Knowledge ExamFlorida Road RulesMedium
You are driving at night and encounter a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. When must you dim your high-beam headlights?
- AWhen the oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet.
- BWhen the oncoming vehicle is within 1,000 feet.
- COnly when the other driver flashes their high beams at you.
- DWhen the oncoming vehicle is within 200 feet.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. When the oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet.
Florida Statute 316.237(2) requires drivers to dim their high-beam headlights when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet or when following another vehicle within 300 feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 1,000 feet is too far; 500 feet is the correct distance for oncoming traffic.
- C. Waiting for the other driver to flash their lights is reactive and often too late; it's a proactive responsibility.
- D. 200 feet is too close; the legal requirement is 500 feet.
Headlight Dimming Rules
In Florida, high-beam headlights must be dimmed when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet or when following another vehicle within 300 feet.
- 500 feet for oncoming traffic.
- 300 feet for following another vehicle.
- Ensures visibility for other drivers.
- Failure to dim can result in a citation.
Memory trick: High Beams? 500 Oncoming, 300 Following. Dim for safety.