SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cdl-overdrive-headlights

What does it mean to avoid overdriving your headlights?

Be able to stop within the distance you can see.

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  1. Always be able to stop in the distance you can see ✔
  2. Drive faster than your headlights can reach
  3. Use only high beams at night

Why: At night, your headlights limit how far you can see. If you cannot stop in that distance, you are driving too fast.

Huh, didn't know that: Dirty headlights may give only half the light they should.

The dad joke
Why do headlights make good readers? They stop within what they can see.
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References

Answer: Always be able to stop in the distance you can see. At night, your headlights limit how far you can see. If you cannot stop in that distance, you are driving too fast.

  1. California Commercial Driver Handbook (AAMVA model manual) www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-commercial-driver-handbook-pdf
    This means going slowly enough to be able to stop within the range of your headlights.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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