Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge Test

Which type of light beams are recommended when following another vehicle closely at night?

1. High beams

2. Low beams

3. Fog lights

4. Brake lights

The correct answer is: Low beams

When driving closely behind another vehicle at night, using low beams is recommended for several important reasons. Low beams provide sufficient illumination of the road and surroundings without causing glare for the driver of the vehicle in front of you. High beams can be excessively bright and can blind the driver ahead, creating unsafe driving conditions for both drivers. Low beams are designed to project a shorter, focused beam that illuminates the road directly in front of your vehicle and extends further, enhancing visibility without overwhelming other drivers. They also help in making sure your vehicle is visible to others without impairing their sight. This approach contributes to safer night driving by minimizing the risk of accidents caused by blinding glare. Fog lights are primarily intended for use in foggy conditions to illuminate the road immediately in front of the vehicle, but they are not meant for general nighttime driving, especially not when following another vehicle. Brake lights serve a different function entirely—they signal when a vehicle is slowing down or stopping. Hence, low beams are the most appropriate choice when driving closely behind another vehicle at night.