How to use headlights when participating in traffic
Headlights are a very important part of a car, but if you use them incorrectly while driving, they can cause accidents...
Advances in technology have made vehicle headlights (cars, motorbikes) better, brighter and safer. However, if drivers do not use them properly, the headlights can unintentionally cause discomfort and sometimes cause unfortunate accidents while participating in traffic.
Headlights usually have two lighting modes - high beam (high beam) and low beam (low beam). When high beam is turned on, the light intensity is high and the long beam helps the driver see obstacles from a distance even when traveling at high speed.
However, drivers should not abuse the high beams to drive. Because high beams with high beam angles and strong intensity will obstruct the vision and cause discomfort to drivers going in the opposite direction or even drivers going in the same direction in front. In some situations, high beams can be the cause of accidents because drivers going in the opposite direction or in the same direction cannot observe the traffic situation to react in time.
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| Using headlights incorrectly will cause discomfort to oncoming drivers. Photo: KT |
So, depending on the situation, you should use high beam or low beam accordingly. Here are some ways to use headlights:
- For cars that do not have a headlight off switch, when driving during the day, you should switch to low beam mode or fog light mode to avoid annoying oncoming people and protect the battery.
- When crossing the street or needing to overtake, ask for the right of way or remind another vehicle to lower its headlights, you should use your headlights by flashing.
- When traveling at night, you can use low beams to move. In case of empty roads, on the highway... you can use high beams to increase visibility. However, when encountering vehicles going in the opposite direction or in the same direction, you should also reduce speed and switch to low beams until you have passed the vehicle in the same direction or the vehicle going in the opposite direction has passed. Note in particular, when you see the opposite vehicle flashing its lights, check to see if it is on high beams or low beams. If high beams are on, switch to low beams immediately to ensure the safety of other vehicles.
- Do not install headlights with the wrong power or that are not up to standard with the vehicle's reflector, causing glare and danger to oncoming drivers.
Penalties for improper use of headlights while driving:
Decree 171/2013/ND-CP stipulates administrative sanctions for violations of the use of high beams as follows:
- For drivers of cars and vehicles similar to cars:
+ Fine from 600,000 VND to 800,000 VND for the violation of using high beams when avoiding oncoming vehicles. (Point g, Clause 3, Article 5).
+ Fine from 600,000 VND to 800,000 VND for violations of using high beams in urban areas and densely populated areas. (Point b, Clause 3, Article 5).
- For drivers of motorbikes, mopeds (including electric motorbikes), vehicles similar to motorbikes and vehicles similar to motorbikes:
+ Fine from 60,000 VND to 80,000 VND for the violation of using high beams when avoiding oncoming vehicles. (Point g, Clause 1, Article 6).
+ Fine from 80,000 VND to 100,000 VND for violations of using high beams in urban areas and densely populated areas. (Point e, Clause 2, Article 6).
- For tractor and specialized vehicle drivers:
+ Fine from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND for the violation of using high beam when avoiding oncoming vehicles. (Point g, Clause 2, Article 7).
+ Fine from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND for violations of using high beams in urban areas and densely populated areas. (Point d, Clause 2, Article 7).
