How far should your headlights shine while on low beam?

Low beam headlights typically illuminate the road about 150 to 200 feet (around 45-60 meters) ahead, providing enough visibility for speeds up to 25-30 mph without blinding other drivers, though proper beam height and alignment are crucial, with some modern LEDs reaching further.Federal regulations require at least 150 feet of illumination on low beams, but you should slow down in bad weather or when you can't see pedestrians or vehicles clearly.

Key Distances & Factors

• Standard Low Beam:Around 150-200 feet (about half a city block).
• Legal Requirement (US):Must light up at least 150 feet.
• High Beams:Light up much farther, about 350-500 feet.
• Bad Weather:In heavy rain or snow, visibility can drop to under 100 feet, requiring speeds under 30 mph.

When to Use Low Beams

• Anytime it's dark or visibility is poor,from sunset to sunrise.
• When you can't see clearly.
• When approaching or following another vehicle,generally within 200-500 feet, to avoid glare.
• In fog, rain, or snow,as they cut through precipitation better than high beams.

Proper Alignment Matters

• Poorly aimed or old bulbs reduce distance.
• The cutoff line for low beams should be parallel to the ground and aimed slightly down to avoid blinding others.