Night driving and headlights

Key points

1. Use headlights between sunset and sunrise.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “Use headlights between the hours of sunset and sunrise.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 73

2. Do not use high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “Not use high beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle; use low beam headlights.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 73

3. Do not use high beams within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead of you.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “Not use high beam headlights within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead of you; use low beam headlights.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 73

4. Never drive using only parking lights in place of headlights.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “Not drive using only parking lights in place of headlights.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 73

5. High beams reveal objects up to 450 feet away and work best above 25 MPH.

   Source: Handbook p. 73

   “High beam headlights can reveal objects up to a distance of 450 feet and are most effective for speeds faster than 25 MPH.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 73

6. In low visibility you must turn on your headlights.

   Source: Handbook p. 71

   “When driving in low visibility conditions: ◆ You must turn on your headlights.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 71

7. If an animal is in your path and a crash is unavoidable, do not swerve. Stay in control on the roadway.

   Source: Handbook p. 71

   “If collision is inevitable, do not swerve to avoid the animal. Keep your vehicle under control and on the roadway.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 71

8. If you feel sleepy, find a safe place to stop and take a nap.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “If you feel sleepy find a safe place to stop and take a nap.”
   Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Handbook p. 35

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Florida practice test

1. 1. Within what distance of the vehicle ahead must a Florida driver switch from high beams to low beams?

   1. Within 500 feet
   2. Within 1,000 feet
   3. Within 100 feet
   4. Within 300 feet
   Show answer

   Within 300 feet. Florida sets two dimming distances. Do not use high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and do not use them within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead of you; use low beams in both cases. The 500 foot figure is the oncoming rule, so it is the tempting wrong answer for following. The handbook also requires headlights between sunset and sunrise and forbids driving on parking lights alone.

2. 2. When driving in fog or heavy rain, which headlight setting does the handbook recommend?

   1. High beams, because reflected light always improves the view
   2. Parking lights only, because headlights create too much glare
   3. No lights, if the driver can still see the lane edge
   4. Low beams, because high beams reflect off fog and impair visibility
   Show answer

   Low beams, because high beams reflect off fog and impair visibility. Low visibility from fog, smoke, or heavy rain requires headlights, and the handbook specifies low beams. High beams can reflect from fog and make it harder to see, so using them is the tempting but unsafe option. Parking lights are not a substitute for headlights, and darkness or reduced visibility is not a reason to drive unlit. Turn on low beams, use wipers and defrosters, and follow edge lines as visual guides while reducing distractions and speed.

3. 3. Under Florida law, when must you turn on your headlights during the day?

   1. Only after sunset
   2. Only in a tunnel
   3. When you turn on your windshield wipers
   4. Only on the interstate
   Show answer

   When you turn on your windshield wipers. Florida's fog and rain guidance is simple: turn on your headlights when you turn on your windshield wipers. Headlights are also required between sunset and sunrise, and the handbook bars driving with only parking lights in place of headlights. Wipers and defrosters keep the windshield clear, and the right edge line and center line serve as visual guides in fog. Tunnels and interstates are not the trigger the handbook names.

Source: the Official Florida Driver License Handbook, Special Driving Situations. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.