What Do You Need To Know About California’s Headlight Laws?

Many automobile accidents are the result of headlight issues. With that in mind, the best way to prevent an automobile accident is to be aware of California’s headlight laws. Though, if an accident does happen, speaking with a California car accident lawyer at Maire & Deedon can be quite helpful.

When Are Headlights Required?

California safe driving laws indicate that every motor vehicle, except for motorcycles, must have at least two headlights. And these headlights must be turned on when you are either driving in the dark or inclement weather conditions.

Regarding the “inclement weather” portion of this law, this refers to the following:

• If you cannot clearly see a person or another vehicle that is 1,000 feet away from you, then you must turn on your headlights.
• If you need to use your windshield wiper due to fog, rain, or snow – among other weather conditions – then you must turn on your headlights.

Failure to abide by these laws can lead to an automobile accident. But, even if failing to abide by this law doesn’t lead to an automobile accident, it can lead to you receiving a ticket.

How Should Headlights Be Installed?

Within the state of California, every headlight must be installed at a height that is no more than 54 inches and, in turn, a height that is no less than 22 inches.

To go along with the above, every single front headlight should be white or yellow. Both of these colors can be used to illuminate the spaces, objects, and people in front of a car.

A failure to abide by these laws will make it more difficult for you to see where you are driving. This makes it easier for an automobile accident to occur while also putting you at risk of a ticket.

Are High Beams Allowed?

Within the state of California, high beams are allowed. But, with that being said, there are a few laws that determine when high beams can be used and, in turn, when low beams must be used.

When you are facing another driver, you must turn off your high beams. That is if the driver you are facing is closer than 500 feet to you. But if the driver isn’t, then you can still, technically, keep your high beams on.

Outside of the above, if you are following another vehicle, you must turn off your high beams if you happen to be closer than 300 feet to the other vehicle.

Even though you must turn off your high beams in every single one of the situations outlined above, you can still use your low beams within these same situations.

Failure to abide by the laws outlined above can lead to an automobile accident. And, if they don’t lead to an automobile accident, they can easily lead to you receiving a ticket.

Speak With A Northern California Automobile Attorney Today

Speak with a Northern California automobile accident attorney at Maire & Deedon today, and we will assist you in obtaining the damages you are entitled to due to a headlight-related automobile accident.