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Proper use of headlights is critical to safe driving. Headlights must be used between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. Headlights must also be used when visibility is 500 feet or less, when using windshield wipers (during rain, snow and ice) or when encountering fog, mist, smoke or other factors that reduce visibility (N.J.S.A. 39:3-46).

Being able to see clearly while driving is very important. A vehicle’s lights should always be in good working order and clean. Headlights help other motorists see approaching vehicles. Parking or auxiliary lights cannot legally be used in place of headlights when headlights are required.

 

Headlights have two sets of beams: bright (high) and dim (low), which are controlled by a switch or button on or near the dashboard. The bright beam is for open-country driving when there is no traffic in sight. The bright beam helps a motorist see farther ahead and peripherally or at a wider angle. At night, a motorist’s pupils are dilated, allowing more light to aid in the ability to see. Bright beams can momentarily blind other motorists by constricting the pupils and should not be used if other vehicles are approaching or when driving behind another vehicle. It can take three to five seconds for a motorist to recover from the glare of approaching high-beam headlights. At a speed of 50 mph, a motorist will have traveled the length of a football field while being unable to see. If a vehicle is approaching with high beams, a motorist should look to the right of the road until the vehicle passes. Never flash high beams at an approaching motorist.

The dim beams are used for city driving and driving in traffic on roadways. Dim beams are focused down on the road. Dim beams are used when traveling behind other vehicles or when another vehicle is approaching.

 

Parking lights: These lights are to be used for a short period of time, such as when a vehicle is left in a permitted zone, to show other motorists where a vehicle is parked. Parking lights are required on vehicles parked in areas other than business or residential zones.

Tail lights: These lights turn on at the same time as a vehicle’s headlights and parking lights. They become brighter when a motorist applies the brakes to show that he/she is slowing or stopping. During the day, without headlights, the taillights also turn on as a motorist applies the brakes.

Brake lights: These lights become brighter when a motorist applies the brakes, showing that the vehicle is slowing or stopping.

Interim (overhead) lights: Found inside the vehicle, these types of lights should be used only briefly (when necessary) when driving or to comply with a police officer’s request to illuminate the motorist’s compartment of the vehicle when stopped.

Dashboard lights: If dashboard lights are too bright, they may create a glare for the motorist and impede vision. The lights should be kept dim but still light enough for a motorist to read the dials.

Spotlights: These types of lights should be used only in emergencies. This also applies to emergency flashers (hazard lights). Spotlights may not be used for driving purposes.

Fog lights: These auxiliary driving lights may be used with low-beam headlights to provide general lighting ahead of a motor vehicle, specifically during foggy weather conditions (N.J.A.C. 13:20-32.25).