You should dip your headlights in the following situations to ensure safety and compliance with driving regulations:
- At night during the period from dusk to dawn, especially in built-up areas where street lighting is present.
- In poor visibility conditions such as fog, heavy rain, snow, or mist, where visibility is seriously reduced to about 100 meters or less.
- During twilight hours (dawn and dusk) when natural light is insufficient.
- When driving through tunnels or shaded areas with reduced light.
- When following another vehicle or when an oncoming vehicle is close to avoid dazzling other drivers.
- In dull or overcast daytime weather to ensure your vehicle is visible to others.
Dipped headlights are angled downwards to illuminate the road directly in front without causing glare to oncoming traffic, unlike full beam headlights which are brighter and can dazzle other road users. Using dipped headlights appropriately helps improve visibility while preventing discomfort to other drivers and pedestrians. These guidelines are consistent with the Highway Code and various road safety rules aimed at ensuring visibility and safety on the roads.
