Your car headlights play a major role in enhancing your safety by increasing visibility during weather conditions.
There are different laws regarding car headlights in the USA that you must adhere to or follow as discussed below.
1. Headlights must be used between sunset and sunrise
The USA requires cars to use their headlights to increase visibility during low conditions such as fog, rain, snow, or smoke while driving.
You are also required to turn on your headlights from sunset to sunrise.
2. Daytime running lights
Most vehicles are equipped with daytime running lights that turn on automatically when the car is running.
They are not as bright as beams but help increase visibility and enhance your safety on the road.
3. High beam
One of the laws of car headlights in USA is that when you are driving with a high beam on, an oncoming vehicle is approaching your direction.
You are required to switch low beams to reduce glare for the other driver.
This is done to help enhance visibility and reduce the chances of accidents on the road.
You are only allowed to use high beams in areas such as rural areas or poorly lit areas where there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles.
4. Headlight height regulation
The US law for car headlights has a requirement on where your headlight should be installed.
It is usually placed between 24 to 54 inches from the ground depending on the type of vehicle you have.
This type of law helps to minimize glare and maximize road visibility.
5. Headlight color
The headlight color of your vehicle should be white or amber according to their law.
This is because white and amber lights increase visibility and clarity, create uniformity and they are energy efficient.
6. Automatic headlight
Automatic headlights are usually installed in some of the vehicles, they do turn on automatically when your vehicle is operating in low visibility condition or environment.
7. Headlight maintenance and inspection
One of the requirements you have to adhere to is to ensure your headlights are in good working condition.
The regular maintenance and inspection of your headlight ensure it works or functions correctly, it is properly aligned and it’s free from defects.
8. Enforcement and penalties
They are fines or penalties that you are charged when you fail to use your headlight during the required times or in poor weather conditions.
Fines and penalties vary depending on the state that you are in.
If your car fails to meet headlight regulations during a state inspection, you will be required to make repairs to your car before it’s driven on the road.
9. Aftermarket headlights and modifications
Aftermarket headlights and modifications are common practices among people who own cars looking to customize their cars.
There are legal considerations that you have to consider before making any modifications to your car.
Examples include; tinting and covering your headlights for aesthetic reasons in other states are prohibited.
This is because it reduces the visibility of your headlights interfering with our safety on the road.
It is also of these regulations and laws for car headlights in USA vary from one state to another. Therefore, you should be aware of any by-laws and regulations that govern the use of vehicles safely.