SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drive-night-driving-headlights

When must you have your headlights on?

At night and whenever it is hard to see.

  1. Only after midnight
  2. Only on highways
  3. At night and whenever it is hard to see ✔

Why: In states like California and New York, headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and in rain, fog or snow when you use your wipers.

Huh, didn't know that: Daytime running lights and parking lights do not count as headlights.

The dad joke
Why do headlights always win at hide and seek? They are great at spotting things!
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References

Answer: At night and whenever it is hard to see. In states like California and New York, headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and in rain, fog or snow when you use your wipers.

  1. New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions dmv.ny.gov/new-york-state-drivers-manual-and-practice-tests/chapter-10-special-driving-conditions
    The law requires you to use your headlights from one-half hour after the sun sets to one-half hour before the sun rises
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. California Driver's Handbook, Section 5: An Introduction to Driving www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/introduction-to-driving
    If you need to use your windshield wipers due to fog, rain, or snow, you must turn on your low-beam headlights.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Cars & DrivingWhen must you switch from high beams to low beams for an oncoming car?Cars & DrivingWhy should you drive slower at night, even on a clear road?Cars & DrivingAt night, which person walking near the road is hardest for a driver to see?

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