New York Driver License (DMV) Written Practice Test

Under what conditions should you use your low beams?

1. In bright sunlight

2. In fog, rain, or snow

3. At night on highways

4. In urban areas

The correct answer is: In fog, rain, or snow

Using low beams is particularly important in conditions such as fog, rain, or snow because these weather conditions can reflect light back towards the driver, significantly reducing visibility. High beams can create a glare that makes it harder to see the road ahead, as the light bounces off the precipitation or fog, leading to a dangerous situation. Low beams, on the other hand, provide sufficient illumination of the road without causing excessive glare, allowing for safer driving in these adverse weather conditions. When driving in bright sunlight, high beams are not needed, as visibility is already optimal. In urban areas, lower light levels typically mean that low beams or headlights are more appropriate than high beams. When driving at night on highways, it is usually safer to use high beams whenever there are no oncoming vehicles or cars ahead, as they provide better visibility over longer distances. Thus, using low beams in fog, rain, or snow is crucial for maintaining safety and clear visibility on the road.