Key points
Use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or whenever you cannot see clearly for 1,000 feet.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“You must use your headlights beginning 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise, or anytime when individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 47Use low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet when following.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“Within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle 2. Following closely (within 300 feet) behind another vehicle”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 47When entering a highway, yield to vehicles already on it.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“You must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already on the highway.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 47On the highway stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead, and at least four seconds in bad weather.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you. In bad weather, increase the time to at least four seconds.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 48Exit signs are usually at least 1,000 yards ahead of the exit.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“Exit signs are usually placed at least 1,000 yards ahead of the exit.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 48Highway hypnosis is drowsiness from reduced activity and steady wind, engine and tire noise.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“A condition of drowsiness or unawareness can be brought on by reduced activity and steady sounds of wind, engine, and tire hum. This is known as highway hypnosis.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 48Stop at least every two hours or every 100 miles, and do not drive more than eight hours a day.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“you should stop at least every two hours or every 100 miles. Get out of your car and walk around. Allow your muscles to relax. 2. Do not drive more than eight hours per day.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 48Never wear sunglasses at night.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“On bright days, wear good sunglasses. Never wear sunglasses at night.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 48If you must park on an unlighted highway at night, leave your parking lights or low beams on.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“If you must park on an unlighted highway at night, leave your parking lights or low beam headlights on.”
Texas Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 47
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | after sunset and before sunrise, headlights on | Handbook p. 47 |
| 1,000 feet | if you cannot see this far, use headlights | Handbook p. 47 |
| 500 feet | dim for an approaching vehicle | Handbook p. 47 |
| 300 feet | dim when following | Handbook p. 47 |
| 2 seconds | minimum highway following time | Handbook p. 48 |
| 4 seconds | minimum following time in bad weather | Handbook p. 48 |
| 1,000 yards | usual distance of exit signs before the exit | Handbook p. 48 |
| 2 hours | how often to stop | Handbook p. 48 |
| 100 miles | how often to stop | Handbook p. 48 |
| 8 hours | maximum driving per day | Handbook p. 48 |
3 questions from the Texas practice test
1. When does Texas require headlights under the handbook's general rule?
- Only between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Only when another driver flashes headlights first
- Only on roads with posted limits above 55 mph
- From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or when visibility is limited
Show answer
From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, or when visibility is limited. Texas requires headlights beginning 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise. They are also required whenever people or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet, which covers conditions such as fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust. The midnight-to-5 a.m. window is unrelated, and highway speed or another driver's action does not control this rule. Turn them on based on time and visibility, then use low beams in the situations listed by the handbook.
2. When must a Texas driver use headlights, besides the period from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise?
- Whenever the radio is on
- Only when it rains
- Only on unlit highways
- Any time individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet
Show answer
Any time individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet. Texas requires headlights beginning 30 minutes after sunset and ending 30 minutes before sunrise, or any time individuals or vehicles cannot be seen clearly for at least 1,000 feet. Fog, dust, heavy rain and smoke can trigger the 1,000 foot rule in daylight. At night, avoid looking directly into approaching headlights and shift your eyes down to the lower right side of your lane. Drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance lit by your headlights.
3. What is highway hypnosis, according to the Texas handbook?
- A tire losing contact with wet pavement
- A failure of the headlights to illuminate the road
- A legal suspension imposed after a traffic conviction
- Drowsiness or unawareness caused by reduced activity and steady sounds
Show answer
Drowsiness or unawareness caused by reduced activity and steady sounds. Highway hypnosis is a condition of drowsiness or unawareness brought on by reduced activity and the steady sounds of wind, engine, and tires. It can make a driver less alert even on a familiar, straight road. The wet-pavement description is hydroplaning, the lighting choice describes an equipment problem, and a license suspension is an administrative or legal action. The handbook recommends stopping at least every two hours or 100 miles, shifting the eyes among different objects, and avoiding an excessively long driving day.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with safe driving questions from the free Texas practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Texas Driver Handbook, Chapter 9: Some 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.