When is it appropriate to use high beams while driving?

Using high beams is most appropriate on dark roads with no oncoming traffic because high beams illuminate a greater distance and provide a wider field of vision, which can enhance safety in these low-visibility conditions. This increased visibility allows a driver to see potential hazards such as animals, pedestrians, or road signs much sooner than with low beams.

In urban environments or city driving conditions, using high beams can cause glare to other drivers and be distracting, which can lead to dangerous situations. Similarly, on the highway, while there may be stretches where high beams could be used, they should always be turned off when there is oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle to avoid blinding other drivers. Using high beams in fog is also not advisable, as they can reflect off the moisture in the air and create a hazard of decreased visibility.