When are you supposed to use headlights and high beams in Kansas? What state law says
It’s common knowledge to turn your headlights on when driving in the dark, but what about if it’s cloudy? Should you turn them on when it’s foggy? And when can you turn your brights on?
Here’s a quick refresher on what Kansas state law says about the subject.
Kansas Statute 8-1703 says automotive head and tail lights need to be on at all times when it’s raining or sleeting, regardless of the time of day. You also have to have headlights on in between sunset and sunrise.
Meanwhile, motorcycles, motor-driven cycles and motorized bicycles manufactured in or after 1978 have to have their head and tail lights lit at all times when on highways.
Law enforcement can issue warnings and citations if headlights are not on when required.
If you are using high beams, you must lower them when you are within 500 feet of another vehicle or following another vehicle within 300 feet. You should also only use regular headlights, not brights, when driving in foggy conditions, as using high beams in the fog can be dangerous.
The Kansas Department of Revenue’s license renewal guidelines say when you’re driving at night, you should always drive slow enough that you can stop within the distance you can see with your headlights.
Driving safely in dark and rainy conditions
Kansas law requires you to turn your headlights on when it’s raining, sleeting or when it’s dark for safety reasons. Here are some other tips for driving safely in the dark, from insurance company Progressive:
- Turn off any lights in the car that can make seeing outside difficult
- Use your high beams on unlit roads if there is no other traffic
- Drive slower
- Get enough rest if you’re driving at night
When driving in the rain, insurance company State Farm says to keep your windshield wipers on, drive slower and avoid using cruise control. You should also keep an eye out for possible hydroplaning, which happens when tires hit excess water and lose traction, causing your vehicle to slide uncontrollably.
You should also avoid driving through big puddles, as water can cause damage to your engine.
