SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cdl-high-beams-meeting

When meeting an oncoming vehicle at night, dim high beams within what distance?

Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

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  1. 100 feet
  2. 500 feet ✔
  3. 1,000 feet

Why: High beams can blind other drivers. Dim them within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and also when following another vehicle within 500 feet.

Huh, didn't know that: With low beams you can see about 250 feet ahead, and with high beams about 350 to 500 feet.

The dad joke
Why did the high beam blush? It saw an oncoming truck.
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References

Answer: 500 feet. High beams can blind other drivers. Dim them within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and also when following another vehicle within 500 feet.

  1. California Commercial Driver Handbook (AAMVA model manual) www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-commercial-driver-handbook-pdf
    Dim your lights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and when following another vehicle within 500 feet.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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