How to use car and motorbike high beams correctly?

Front lights of cars and motorbikes have 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 objects in the distance, such as obstacles and traffic signs. This is the recommended light mode for use on highways and expressways, but drivers need to switch to low beam mode when passing, 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 not enough.

Here are some ways to use lights safely and properly:

- When driving during the day in low light or fog, you should turn on low beam 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 case of deserted roads, low light, 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 dazzle the driver of the vehicle in front when looking in the rearview mirror.

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

- Do not install headlights of the wrong capacity or standard, or install additional auxiliary lights, as this can cause glare and danger to other road users.

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

Using the wrong light 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 scooter 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);

- A fine of 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND shall be imposed on 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 between 7:00 p.m. the previous day and 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 car 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 refused, 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.