Vehicle lights: when to switch on and when to dip
Lights let you see the road and let others see you. This chapter covers when your lamps (lights) must be on, how far they must reach and which you may not use. The test asks for the distances, so learn them.
What condition must your lights be in?
Every lamp must be in working order when you use a light or heavy motor vehicle on a public road. All lamps must be:
- undamaged
- unobscured (not covered or blocked)
- properly secured (fixed firmly in place)
- capable of being lit at all times
When must your lights be on?
Your headlamps, rear lamps and number plate lamps must be lit between sunset and sunrise.
They must also be lit at any other time when you cannot see far enough. The official measure is 150 metres. If people and vehicles on the road are not clearly discernible (clearly seen) at that distance, switch on. The cause can be insufficient light (too little light) or unfavourable (bad) weather.
Must a parked car have its lights on at night?
Not always. The rule above does not apply to a vehicle that is parked:
- off the roadway of a public road
- in a parking place demarcated (marked out) by a road traffic sign
- within 12 metres of a lighted street lamp
The street lamp must be lit, and it must illuminate (light up) the road where the vehicle is parked.
How far must your headlamps shine?
The main beam (bright) must let you see any person, vehicle or substantial (large) object at least 100 metres ahead. The dipped beam must let you see the same things at least 45 metres ahead.
Both beams must adequately illuminate (properly light up) the area ahead of the vehicle. For that, every headlamp must be adjusted and maintained.
When must you dip your headlamps?
To dip means to switch from the main beam to the dipped beam. Dip the main beam (bright) in two cases:
- for oncoming traffic
- when you are following another vehicle
A bright beam in the eyes or mirrors makes it hard for the other driver to see.
May you drive with only your parking lamps on?
No. A vehicle in motion may not be driven on a public road with only the parking lamps lit.
Which lamps must a car have at the back?
You may not drive on a public road unless these lamps are fitted at the rear:
- Rear lamps. On a light motor vehicle they must emit (give out) a red light to the rear.
- Stop lamps. A light motor vehicle or motorcycle must have them. When in use they emit a red light that is greater (stronger) than the light of the rear lamps. A person of normal eyesight must be able to see it in normal sunlight at 30 metres.
- Number plate lamp. A motor vehicle needs at least one, illuminating the number plate. A person of normal eyesight must be able to see every letter and figure from 20 metres.
What does a lit stop lamp mean?
A stop lamp that lights up tells you the vehicle is decreasing speed and may stop.
When may you use fog lamps?
Only in poor visibility. You may not drive on a public road with any fog lamp lit, unless the poor visibility is caused by:
- snow
- fog
- mist
- dust
- smoke
May you fit a spot lamp to your car?
Not an adjustable one. That is a spot lamp that can be adjusted to deflect (turn) its beam in any direction. A motor vehicle fitted with one may not be used on a public road.
An adjustable spot lamp may be fitted to:
- a vehicle owned by a medical practitioner (doctor) or a veterinarian (animal doctor), and used for professional duties only
- a breakdown vehicle
The fine print
An adjustable spot lamp may also be fitted and used for official purposes on:
- an ambulance
- a rescue vehicle
- a fire-fighting vehicle
- a police vehicle
- a traffic control vehicle
It may also be fitted to a vehicle employed in the supply of electricity or other public essential services. On that vehicle and on a breakdown vehicle, it may be used solely:
- at the scene of an accident or breakdown
- to examine overhead telephone, telegraph or power lines
Numbers to remember
- 150 metres: lights must be on when people and vehicles are not clearly seen at this distance
- 12 metres: a vehicle parked this close to a lighted street lamp does not need its lights on
- 100 metres: how far ahead the main beam (bright) must let you see
- 45 metres: how far ahead the dipped beam must let you see
- 30 metres: the distance at which stop lamps must be visible in normal sunlight
- 20 metres: the distance from which every letter and figure of the lit number plate must be visible
Mistakes learners make
- Mixing up the two beams. The main beam (bright) is 100 metres and the dipped beam is 45 metres.
- Thinking lights are only for night. They must also be on when people and vehicles are not clearly seen at 150 metres.
- Dipping only for oncoming traffic. You must also dip when you are following another vehicle.
- Using fog lamps in clear conditions. They are only for poor visibility caused by snow, fog, mist, dust or smoke.
- Driving with only the parking lamps lit. That is not allowed while the vehicle is in motion.
Test yourself
Question 1
During which period must the headlamps, rear lamps and number plate lamps of a light or heavy motor vehicle be kept lighted?
Show answer
Answer: A: Between sunset and sunrise
The headlamps, rear lamps and number plate lamps must be on between sunset and sunrise.
Question 2
Lamps must be kept lighted at any time when persons and vehicles on the public road are not clearly discernible at what distance?
Show answer
Answer: C: 150 metres
Your lamps must be on whenever you cannot clearly see people and vehicles 150 metres away.
Question 3
At what minimum distance must the main beam (bright) of a headlamp enable the driver to see any person, vehicle or substantial object?
Show answer
Answer: B: At least 100 metres
On main beam (bright) you must be able to see a person, vehicle or big object at least 100 metres away.
Question 4
At night you are driving with the main beam (bright) of your headlamps lighted, and a vehicle approaches from the opposite direction. What must you do?
Show answer
Answer: C: Dip the main beam (bright) of your headlamps
You must dip your bright lights when traffic comes towards you.
Question 5
Which ONE of the following is NOT a case in which you must dip the main beam (bright) of your vehicle?
Show answer
Answer: B: When there is no other vehicle on the road
You must dip for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle, not when the road is empty.
Question 6
At what minimum distance ahead must the dipped beam of a headlamp enable the driver to see any person, vehicle or substantial object?
Show answer
Answer: A: At least 45 metres
On dipped beam you must be able to see a person, vehicle or big object at least 45 metres ahead.
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