Is it illegal to use hi beams?
Vehicles are equipped with both high beam and low beam headlights. California Vehicle Code 24409 VC requires drivers to dim their headlights, from high beam to low beam, when approaching and following other vehicles. Violations of VC 24409 are sometimes referred to as “high beam headlight violations.”
When to use high beam or low beam headlights?
High-beam headlights shine at an angle to illuminate the road 350 to 400 feet ahead, or about twice as far as low beams. (Remember that 68 mph equals about 100 feet per second. When you travel at highway speeds at night, low beams may give you only a second or two to react to a hazard.)
How does a high beam light bulb work?
Get familiar with the fuses and relays that control your headlights. The headlight switch usually doesn’t control the headlight bulbs directly, but through one or more relays. The headlight switch powers a relay, which powers the headlight bulb. This protects the headlight switch from the high current used by the high beam headlights.
What do you need to know about aiming headlights?
Proper alignment is important when installing new headlights. Each headlight must be securely mounted and properly aimed so the beam pattern “cut off line” complies with all applicable regulations. Follow our step-by-step guidelines for how to aim headlights properly when installing Driving Beams or High Beam Only Headlights.
How do you adjust the beam of a headlight?
Block one of the headlights and look to see where the other beam hits the wall. It should fall at or below the horizontal tape line you marked and to the right of the vertical tape line. If it doesn’t, use the adjusters located on the headlight housing to adjust the beam until it hits the right spot on the wall.
What do you need to know about high beam headlights?
Each headlight must be securely mounted and properly aimed so the beam pattern “cut off line” complies with all applicable regulations. Follow our step-by-step guidelines for how to aim headlights properly when installing Driving Beams or High Beam Only Headlights.
Get familiar with the fuses and relays that control your headlights. The headlight switch usually doesn’t control the headlight bulbs directly, but through one or more relays. The headlight switch powers a relay, which powers the headlight bulb. This protects the headlight switch from the high current used by the high beam headlights.
What’s the proper way to aim your headlights?
Follow our step-by-step guidelines for how to aim headlights properly when installing Driving Beams or High Beam Only Headlights. We recommend that headlights are aimed with a headlight aiming system for proper alignment. If you are not familiar with the legal requirements for aiming headlights, please see a professional service provider.
What to do if your high beam light is not working?
Check your owner’s manual to be sure which kind of high beam bulb you need and get familiar with the fuse box in case the high beams stop working. Finally, practice using a digital multimeter so you can rule out electrical problems before replacing other components. A blown high beam headlight bulb, an easy fix.