Will you get a ticket if you flash your car high beams in California? What the law says

If you’re headed down a dark road at night, it might be tempting to turn on your bright headlights. That’s what they’re for, right?

High beams are a light setting in your car and when used, they can brighten up the road surface up to 400 feet, according to Progressive, a car insurance company.

But flashing high beams inappropriately can actually be dangerous for other drivers by making it hard for them to see, and you can get in trouble for it.

In California, according to Vehicle Code 24409, drivers have to dim their headlights by using the low beam setting when they are approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet. This ensures that “glaring rays” are not flashing into the other driver’s eyes.

If a car is driving behind another car within 300 feet from the rear, low beams should also be used.

Can you get a ticket?

According to Shouse California Law Group, if a driver is caught violating Vehicle Code 24409, the fine is around $238.

They will also get one point on their state driving record, which can lead to license suspension if the points accumulate.

When should you use high beams?

You should use your headlights when it’s too dark to see from 1,000 feet away, the California Department of Motor Vehicles recommends. But if it’s raining, foggy or snowing, use your low beams.

Progressive advises that you use high beams when you’re on the highway or roads along the countryside, since these are often long stretches of roads where there is less light and traffic.

Why no high beams in the fog?

Foggy conditions are hard to drive in and high beams can make it more difficult.

In the Central Valley, tule fog, which is thick fog caused by moist marine air, light winds and clear skies, is common from November to February.

High beams in the fog create a glare, making it hard to see. If you have fog lights on your car, use them, otherwise stick to low beams.

This story was originally published August 25, 2023 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Will you get a ticket if you flash your car high beams in California? What the law says."