Headlights, brake lights, tires and signals

Key points

1. Headlights must be on from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.

   Source: PDF page 15

   “Washington law says you need to have your headlights on a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 15

2. Daytime running lights are not as bright as headlights and do not turn on your taillights.

   Source: PDF page 15

   “However, daytime running lights aren’t as bright as headlights, and they don’t activate your taillights.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 15

3. Switch from high beams to regular headlights 500 feet before an oncoming vehicle and 300 feet when behind one.

   Source: PDF page 16

   “remember to switch back to regular headlights when you are: 500 feet in front of an oncoming vehicle. 300 feet when you’re behind.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 16

4. Brake lights must be clearly visible from 100 feet away.

   Source: PDF page 16

   “Your brake lights are red and must be clearly visible from 100 feet away.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 16

5. Signal 100 feet before you make your move, even when no one is around.

   Source: PDF page 16

   “Create a habit of always signaling before you change direction, even when you don’t see anyone else around. Signal 100 feet before you make your move.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 16

6. Hand signals: left arm straight out for a left turn, left arm bent with fingers up for a right turn.

   Source: PDF page 16

   “Left turn. Put your left arm out the window. Point your fingers straight out to the left. Right turn. Put your left arm out the window. Bend your arm so your fingers point to the sky.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 16

7. Tire tread should not be less than 2/32 of an inch.

   Source: PDF page 15

   “Tire tread shouldn't be less than 2/32 of an inch.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 15

8. Keep your chest at least 10 inches from the steering wheel to leave room for the airbag.

   Source: PDF page 16

   “Your chest should be at least 10 inches from the steering wheel to leave space for the airbag.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 16

9. Keep the headrest even with your ears to protect against whiplash.

   Source: PDF page 16

   “Protect yourself from whiplash by making sure the headrest is even with your ears.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 16

10. If you cannot see a large vehicle's mirrors, its driver cannot see you.

    Source: PDF page 21

    “Remember: if you can’t see their mirrors, the driver can’t see you.”
    Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 21

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Washington practice test

1. 1. What headlight timing does Washington law specify?

   1. Only from midnight until dawn
   2. Only when another driver flashes headlights
   3. From sunset until one hour after sunrise
   4. From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise
   Show answer

   From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. Washington law specifies headlights from one half hour after sunset until one half hour before sunrise. The guide also suggests an easier safety habit: use them all the time, especially in rain, snow, fog, or smoke. The midnight option begins too late, the one hour morning extension changes the stated window, and another driver's signal is irrelevant. Think of the rule as a half hour buffer on both sides of nighttime. Good lighting helps the driver see and helps other road users see the vehicle.

2. 2. Why should a driver not rely on daytime running lights as a complete substitute for regular headlights?

   1. They work only when the vehicle is parked
   2. They make the front of the vehicle invisible
   3. They are not as bright and do not activate the taillights
   4. They automatically activate high beams in every condition
   Show answer

   They are not as bright and do not activate the taillights. Daytime running lights help illuminate the front of some vehicles, but the guide warns they are not as bright as headlights and do not activate the taillights. That means a driver relying on them may be less visible from behind, especially in changing weather or light. The other choices describe behavior the guide does not state. A useful check is whether the rear lights are on, not merely whether some front lights appear. Turn on regular headlights when darkness or rain, snow, fog, or smoke makes visibility more demanding.

3. 3. When should a driver switch from high beams to regular headlights while approaching another vehicle?

   1. At 50 feet in front and 100 feet behind
   2. Only after the other driver flashes a warning
   3. When 500 feet in front of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet behind one
   4. Whenever the vehicle behind is more than 500 feet away
   Show answer

   When 500 feet in front of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet behind one. The guide gives two distance cues for switching back to regular headlights: 500 feet in front of an oncoming vehicle and 300 feet when following another vehicle. The other distances are not the stated values, and waiting for a flash from another driver is unnecessary. High beams can make it harder for another person to see, so the switch should happen before glare becomes a problem. Picture the two positions separately: approaching traffic gets the larger 500 foot buffer, while a vehicle ahead gets the 300 foot following distance.

Source: the Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), Chapter 2: Vehicles. 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.