Night driving and work zones

Key points

1. High beams let you see twice as far as low beams.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-1

   “High beams let you see twice as far as low beams.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-1

2. Dim your high beams when you are 500 feet or more away from an oncoming vehicle.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-1

   “Dim your high beams when you are 500 feet or more away from any oncoming vehicle.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-1

3. Use low beams when following a vehicle less than 200 feet ahead.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-2

   “Use your low beams when following another vehicle that is less than 200 feet in front of you.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-2

4. Do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses at night or on overcast days.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-2

   “Do not wear sunglasses or colored lenses when driving at night or on overcast days.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-2

5. At night add at least one extra second of following distance, and two on unfamiliar roads.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-2

   “Increase your following distance by adding at least one additional second for night driving conditions and at least two additional seconds for driving on unfamiliar roadways at night.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-2

6. About 40,000 people a year are injured in work zone collisions.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-3

   “Approximately 40,000 people per year are injured as a result of motor vehicle collisions in work zones.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-3

7. Always reduce your speed in a work zone, even if there are no workers.

   Source: Handbook p. 11-3

   “Always reduce your speed in a work zone, even if there are no workers.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 11-3

8. Endangering a highway worker can bring a fine and points on your record.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-9

   “If you endanger a highway worker you may be fined and have points assessed against your driving record.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-9

Numbers to know

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. When must a South Carolina driver dim high beams for an oncoming vehicle?

   1. When 500 feet or more away from the oncoming vehicle
   2. Only when the other driver flashes
   3. Within 100 feet
   4. Never on rural roads
   Show answer

   When 500 feet or more away from the oncoming vehicle. Use high beams whenever there are no oncoming vehicles, because they let you see twice as far as low beams, but dim them when you are 500 feet or more away from any oncoming vehicle. If a vehicle approaches with its high beams on, glance toward the right side of the road to avoid being blinded. Use low beams in fog, rain or snow.

2. 2. When following another vehicle at night, when does South Carolina require low beams?

   1. Only in fog
   2. When it is more than 1,000 feet ahead
   3. When the vehicle ahead is less than 200 feet in front of you
   4. Never while following
   Show answer

   When the vehicle ahead is less than 200 feet in front of you. Use your low beams when following another vehicle that is less than 200 feet in front of you, so the glare does not fill the other driver's mirrors. Dim for oncoming traffic at 500 feet or more. In fog, rain or snow, use low beams too, because high beam light reflects back and makes it harder to see ahead. Fog lights, where fitted, may also be used.

3. 3. When approaching a South Carolina work zone, which action is required even if no workers are visible?

   1. Maintain the normal roadway speed until a worker waves you down
   2. Reduce speed because narrowed lanes and rough pavement can create hazards
   3. Use the shoulder to bypass cones and construction equipment
   4. Follow the vehicle ahead more closely to limit merging
   Show answer

   Reduce speed because narrowed lanes and rough pavement can create hazards. The manual specifically says to reduce speed in a work zone even when workers are absent. Narrower lanes, rough pavement, cones, barrels, large vehicles, and changing traffic patterns can still create danger. Keeping normal speed ignores those conditions, using the shoulder bypasses the controlled path, and tailgating removes the time needed to react. Treat the work-zone signs as active instructions throughout the area. Slow early, increase following space, watch adjacent traffic, and be prepared for a sudden stop or lane shift.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 11: 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.