[Knowledge Classroom] In what situations should you use high beam, low beam or fog light? !
The following are the correct usage and legal requirements of high beam (high beam), low beam (passed beam) and fog lights on Hong Kong roads, and detailed explanations:
1. High Beam
Usage
- When driving at night, when there are no other vehicles on the road ahead , especially in suburbs, rural areas or when the roads are poorly lit, it is used to increase visibility.
- When vision is obstructed (e.g. on dark, unlit rural roads), a greater distance needs to be illuminated.
Unusable
- There are vehicles ahead (including those traveling in the same direction or opposite direction) to prevent the strong light from affecting other drivers' vision.
- There is generally no need to use high beams on roads with street lights or sufficient lighting .
- When following a vehicle , never use your high beams to illuminate the rear of the vehicle in front.
Legal basis
- According to Regulation 41 of the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations (Cap. 374G), drivers must avoid using their high beams to affect other road users.
2. Dipped/Low Beam
Usage
- When driving at night, if there is a vehicle ahead (whether in the same direction or opposite direction), reduce the impact of strong light on other drivers.
- Urban areas and roads with street lights or sufficient lighting .
- Increase your vehicle's visibility at dusk, early morning or when it is dark .
- In rainy, foggy or low visibility conditions , you should also use low headlights, even during daytime.
Required use
- When entering tunnels, parking lots and other places with insufficient lighting, always turn on the low beam headlights regardless of day or night.
- According to the law , you must turn on your headlights (usually low beam) after dark or when visibility is less than 200 meters.
3. Fog Lamp
Usage
- When visibility is extremely low , such as in thick fog, heavy rain, smog or dust, vision is severely obstructed.
- Front and rear fog lights can increase the visibility of your vehicle in bad weather.
Unusable
- It should not be used when the weather improves and visibility is normal , otherwise it will cause dazzle to other road users and affect safety.
- Generally, fog lights should not be used when driving at night .
Legal basis
- Fog lights may only be used when visibility is severely restricted. Violators may be prosecuted.
Summary and comparison
| Lighting Type | When to use | When not to use |
|---|---|---|
| High light | The road is dark, no cars, and poorly lit at night | There are cars in front or on the opposite side, sufficient lighting, and street lights |
| Low light | Cars at night, good lighting, dusk and dawn, bad weather, tunnels | - |
| Fog lights | Dense fog, heavy rain, low visibility | Good weather, normal visibility, normal night driving |
Important supplement
- Illegal use of lights (such as inappropriate use of high beams or fog lights) may result in prosecution, with a maximum fine of $2,000 and 3 demerit points.
- Correct use of lighting not only complies with the law, but also protects the safety of yourself and others.
