New York Driver License (DMV) Written Practice Test

Using high beams is appropriate in situations where visibility is significantly reduced and there are no other vehicles that could be affected by the bright light. In a dark area without oncoming traffic, high beams can illuminate the road ahead much better than low beams, allowing you to see pedestrians, animals, and any obstructions in the road more clearly.

In contrast, using high beams when driving in the city is often unnecessary, as the ambient light from streetlights and buildings typically provides sufficient visibility. When it is raining, high beams can create glare off the water on the road, reducing visibility rather than improving it. Similarly, using high beams in heavy traffic can blind drivers in front of you or those approaching from the opposite direction, which is why it's important to switch to low beams in such scenarios to ensure the safety of all road users.