Headlights, night, fog, rain and snow

Key points

1. Use headlights in rain, fog, snow or sleet when visibility is reduced to 500 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “Virginia law requires motorists to use headlights during inclement weather such as rain, fog, snow or sleet when visibility is reduced to 500 feet.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 22

2. Reducing speed should be your first response to poor visibility and dangerous roads, and double your normal following distance.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Reducing your speed should be your first response to decreased visibility and dangerous road conditions. Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

3. You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

4. Use low beams within 200 feet of a vehicle you are following.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “When following, use low-beams whenever you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

5. Use high beams on highways unless a vehicle is coming toward you within 500 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Use high-beam headlights on highways, unless another vehicle is within 500 feet coming toward you.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

6. In heavy fog, use low beams and follow the road edge markings.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Use low-beam headlights in heavy fog and look for road edge markings to guide you.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

7. In the first half hour of rain, roads are more likely to be slippery as oil mixes with water.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “When rain begins, during the first half-hour, roads are more likely to be slippery due to oil on the road surface mixing with water.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

8. Clear snow and ice from the whole car, including the roof, before driving.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Remove snow and ice from your entire car, including the roof, hood and rear of the vehicle, before you start driving.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

9. Bridges freeze before other road surfaces.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “Watch for ice on bridges and in shady areas. Bridges freeze before other road surfaces.”
   Virginia Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 23

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Virginia practice test

1. 1. What headlights should a Virginia driver use in heavy fog?

   1. High beams only
   2. Low beam headlights
   3. No headlights if the road has edge lines
   4. Hazard flashers instead of headlights
   Show answer

   Low beam headlights. Heavy fog reflects light back toward the driver, so Virginia directs drivers to use low beam headlights and use the road edge markings as a guide. High beams can worsen the glare and make distance judgments harder. Edge lines are helpful but do not replace the required lighting, and hazard flashers are not a substitute for headlights while the vehicle is moving. Slow down as visibility shrinks, keep the vehicle positioned by the roadway markings, and avoid staring into reflected light.

2. 2. What is the first response to reduced visibility or a rain, snow, or ice covered road?

   1. Turn off the headlights to reduce glare
   2. Accelerate until the road surface improves
   3. Keep the same speed and shorten the gap ahead
   4. Reduce speed
   Show answer

   Reduce speed. The manual identifies slowing down as the first response when visibility falls or rain, snow, or ice covers the road. It also advises turning on headlights and doubling the normal following distance. The other choices increase risk by reducing visibility, shrinking the reaction space, or adding speed on a slippery surface. Begin the adjustment as soon as conditions change, before the vehicle reaches a hazard. A lower speed gives the tires and driver more time to respond when traction or sight distance is limited.

3. 3. When must Virginia motorists use headlights because of reduced visibility or bad weather?

   1. When visibility is reduced to 500 feet or when wipers are required by bad weather
   2. Only when visibility falls below 100 feet
   3. Whenever the road is wet, even if visibility is clear
   4. Only after sunset, regardless of weather
   Show answer

   When visibility is reduced to 500 feet or when wipers are required by bad weather. Virginia requires headlights during inclement weather when visibility is reduced to 500 feet, and also whenever windshield wipers are being used because of bad weather. The sunset-only choice omits a daytime weather requirement. The 100-foot threshold waits too long, while turning lights on for every wet road overstates the rule unless visibility or wiper use triggers it. Headlights help other road users see the vehicle, so respond promptly as rain, fog, snow, or sleet worsens.

Source: the Virginia Driver's Manual, Section 3: Safe Driving. 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.