When should you turn on your headlights while driving?

Turning on your headlights in rainy or snowy weather, regardless of the time of day, is essential for maintaining visibility and ensuring that other drivers can see you. Inclement weather such as rain or snow can significantly reduce visibility, not only for you but also for vehicles approaching from other directions. When your headlights are on, it enhances your visibility, making it safer for you to navigate through these conditions.

Moreover, in many jurisdictions, including New York, the law mandates that headlights be used during certain weather conditions, such as rain or snow, to improve safety. This practice is part of defensive driving, as it helps in alerting others on the road about your presence, especially in poor visibility situations.

This approach significantly contrasts with only turning on headlights at nighttime or when other vehicles do so. Relying solely on other drivers to turn on their headlights or only using them at night does not contribute to safety in the same way that using them in poor weather conditions does. Additionally, turning on headlights during the day to save battery power does not align with traffic safety practices, as the primary purpose of headlights is to ensure visibility rather than conserve battery life.