Everything You Need to Know About California Headlight Laws

The privilege of driving includes the responsibility of knowing safe driving laws. Before taking the wheel, we all must know the laws and drive in the safest way possible to reduce the risk of injury for everyone around us. This includes learning to use your headlights in different circumstances, such as when it is necessary to turn them on during the day or in particular types of weather. All of these rules are essential to maintaining safety on the road.

If you have been in a car accident because someone was misusing their headlights, the car accident lawyers from Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. can help. We have represented victims of car accidents in California for over thirty years and strive to achieve outstanding results for all of our clients.

What California Headlight Rules Do You Need to Follow?

There are many laws relating to proper headlight usage in California.

Laws Relating to Usage

Under California Vehicle Code Section 24400, most California drivers know that they must use their headlights whenever it is dark. However, the law also requires vehicles other than motorcycles to have at least two headlights affixed and working correctly. You’re also required to use your headlights in poor weather or when you can’t see a driver 1,000 feet away.

When to Use High Beams

According to California Code 24409, there are circumstances where using a high beam headlight is unacceptable. These can help you see further in front of you, but they can also cause severe damage to other drivers’ eyes. Because high beams can be damaging, drivers must return to their low beams when vehicles are within a certain distance of others. When 300 feet behind other drivers, you can only use your low beams. When a car driving toward you is within 500 feet of you, it is a requirement to turn off your high beams.

Fog Light Laws

Fog lights are very particular and are only sometimes installed on vehicles. These add light in instances of abysmal weather, like when there is significant fog. Because these lights can be so bright, no driver is permitted to turn on more than two of their fog lights simultaneously. They also supplement regular headlights and are not allowed to be used alone.

Installation Laws

There are laws dictating that your headlights are installed at an appropriate height and that they are the proper color. According to Code 25950, lights must be on the spectrum of white to yellow for front headlights. These lights should also be between 22 and 54 inches above the ground to illuminate a sufficient distance adequately.

Other Headlight Information You Need to Know

If you have been in an accident because someone has misused their headlights, you have the right to take legal action against the liable parties involved. We recommend you work with a lawyer during these legal matters, as your attorney can provide you with helpful information and support as you navigate your claims. An experienced car accident lawyer will advocate for you, strategize valuable details, develop arguments in your favor, and negotiate on your behalf.

We take the paperwork and insurance adjusters off your plate so you can focus on the most crucial thing: healing. You don’t have to face this road alone. A good lawyer will give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your recovery.

Car Accident Injuries in California? Get Help When You Call Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.

If you have been injured in a car accident that may have been caused with an issue involving headlights, we can help. The lawyers from Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. work with car accident cases and claims involving bodily injury. We have over 30 years of experience, and are here to help you in your time of need. Attorney Eric J. Ratinoff uses a unique approach to storytelling, allowing us to build your case the right way from day one.

For assistance with your legal matters, please don’t hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience. We work with highly credible expert witnesses and employ extensive graphic storyboards and videos to prove your case. To schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers, please call (916) 970-9100 or complete the contact form on our website.