California Vehicle Code (CVC) requires drivers to turn on their headlights when it’s dark.
Local drivers must also turn down their high beams when another car approaches.
Drivers who cause accidents through improper use of their headlights, or by not using them, can face full liability for the damages caused. That can include having to pay for victims’ medical bills, their lost paychecks, and hardships caused by pain and emotional trauma.
During darkness, a vehicle shall be equipped with lighted lighting equipment as required for the vehicle by this chapter.
Using Headlights to Prevent California Accidents
California requires drivers to burn their headlights generally from sunset to sunrise.
The DMV’s California Driver’s Handbook instructs drivers who are traveling at night with some further tips:
- Motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists are much harder to see.
- Highway construction can take place at night. Reduce your speed in highway construction zones.
- When you leave a brightly lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness.
- When a vehicle with one light drives toward you, drive as far to the right as possible. It could be a bicyclist, motorcyclist, or vehicle with a missing headlight.
Weather & Headlights: California drivers must also use their headlights when it’s raining. CVC 24400 asks all drivers to turn on their low-beam headlights when they use their windshield wipers. This can be for rain, snow, and other icy precipitation. Fog should also trigger motorists to turn on their lights. The lights should come on when visibility is less than a 1,000 feet due to fog.
When to Turn Down Headlights in California
With today’s high-intensity LED headlights, drivers in other vehicles can end up blinded and at risk of leaving their lanes. They can be left without proper visibility to avoid other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The risk is even higher when drivers proceed with their high-intensity beams on.
These “high-beams” are supposed to be reduced to standard beams when another vehicle is approaching. The California Vehicle Code discusses the distances that should trigger drivers facing oncoming cars, or who are coming up on a car from behind, to adjust their headlights.
Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated during darkness, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle…
The code requirements also require fulfilling these duties:
- Turning high beams back to regular intensity whenever an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet.
- The lights should not be angled to shine directly into the oncoming driver’s eyes.
- The lowest setting should be such that it avoids glare on any type of road.
- Drivers behind other motorists shouldn’t use their high beams when they are within 300 feet.
Punishment for Drivers Caught Without Headlights On
Drivers caught for leaving their lights off or not turning down their high beams can face financial penalties and points on their license.
Being charged under one of these two codes can lead to an infraction, costing $35. When court fees are added to that, the final total can be over $200.
Drivers can also get a point on their DMV record. These points are tracked, and if a driver gets 4 points over a year, they can face a license suspension.
When to Contact a Lawyer After a California Accident
If you are seriously hurt by another driver, it’s a good idea to talk over your options with a skilled California car accident lawyer. Serious injuries like broken bones or head injuries mean higher medical bills. The increased costs make car insurance companies fight harder to blame you for your accident or to downplay your injuries. Maison Law gets aggressive to make sure the blame stays with the driver who didn’t follow the law regarding headlights. Then your lawyer works to get you the maximum in support for your recovery.
The best part is, there’s no risk in finding out what your case may be worth. Maison Law offers a free case consultation to all injured California accident victims. It’s confidential, and it comes with no obligation.
If you do need our help to earn more, you never have to break the bank to pay a lawyer. We aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check a car insurance provider must write.