How to use car and motorbike high beams correctly?

Front lights of cars and motorbikes come in two types: low beam (cos) for near-lighting and high beam (far) for far-lighting.

Low beam (cos) has a low beam angle, to help drivers observe road conditions in close range, to avoid potholes, obstacles, etc. This is the type of light recommended, even included in the law, for use when driving in inner cities and residential areas.

Meanwhile, high beams (far) have a stronger light intensity, a longer and higher beam angle, to help drivers observe distant objects, such as obstacles and traffic signs. This is the recommended lighting mode for use on highways and expressways, but drivers should switch to low beam mode when overtaking to avoid dazzling other drivers, both in the same direction (observed through the rearview mirror) and in the opposite direction.

However, many people, due to ignorance or intentionally wanting to attract attention, use the wrong light mode, such as not switching to low beam mode when overtaking, or turning on high beam when driving in the city.

There are also many people who, for "safety" reasons, use low beams in all situations; this can also be dangerous for themselves, when visibility is insufficient.

Here are some ways to use lights safely and properly:

- When driving during the day in low light or foggy conditions, you should turn on low beams or fog lights to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.

- When crossing the street, asking to pass, asking to give way or reminding other drivers to lower their headlights, you should flash your headlights.

- When driving at night in the city and residential areas, you should only use low beams. In cases where the road is deserted, poorly lit, or on the highway, you should switch to high beams to increase visibility. However, when approaching other vehicles, both in the opposite direction and in the same direction, you should switch to low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. Even when you are driving in the same direction behind another vehicle, you should not keep your high beams on because it will blind the driver of the vehicle in front when looking in the rearview mirror.

- When you see the car on the opposite side flashing its lights, the driver may be reminding you to turn off the headlights. Check. If your car's headlights are on, switch to low beam mode to ensure the safety of others.

- Do not install headlights with incorrect power or standards, or install additional auxiliary lights, causing glare and danger to other road users.

Recently, the Vietnam Register has issued document No. 6688/DKVN-VAR, requiring motor vehicle inspection centers to resolutely refuse to inspect vehicles with additional electrical equipment, and cases of additional front and rear lights not installed according to the manufacturer's design.

Using the wrong lights is also considered a traffic violation and will be punished. Specifically, Decree 46/2016/ND-CP stipulates as follows:

- Fine from 60,000 VND to 80,000 VND for motorbike and moped drivers using high beams when avoiding oncoming vehicles (Point g, Clause 1, Article 6);

- Fine from 80,000 VND to 100,000 VND for drivers of motorbikes and mopeds using high beams in urban areas and densely populated areas, except for priority vehicles on duty as prescribed (Point e, Clause 2, Article 6);

- Fine from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND for drivers of tractors and specialized motorbikes using high beams in urban areas and densely populated areas, except for priority vehicles on duty as prescribed (Point d, Clause 3, Article 7);

- A fine of VND 200,000 to VND 400,000 shall be imposed on drivers of tractors or specialized motorbikes who do not use or do not use enough lights from 7:00 p.m. the previous day to 5:00 a.m. the following day, when fog or bad weather limits visibility; or use high beams when avoiding oncoming vehicles (Point e, Clause 3, Article 7);

- Fine from 600,000 VND to 800,000 VND for drivers using high beams in urban areas and densely populated areas, except for priority vehicles on duty as prescribed (Point b, Clause 3, Article 5);

- A fine of VND 600,000 to VND 800,000 shall be imposed on drivers who do not use or do not use enough headlights from 7:00 p.m. the previous day to 5:00 a.m. the following day, when fog or bad weather limits visibility; use high beams when avoiding oncoming vehicles (Point g, Clause 3, Article 5).

In addition to being subject to legal penalties or having your vehicle's registration denied, improper installation and use of lights can also cause glare to other drivers (using high beams in urban areas, when overtaking...), or make it difficult for other drivers to see you from a distance (only use low beams when driving at night or on the highway), which can easily lead to accidents.