Full beam: the dashboard symbol and when you may use it

Full beam symbol: the blue light with straight lines

The full beam symbol is a blue headlamp with straight lines. When this light is on, your full beam is on. It is a status light, not a fault.

The dipped beam symbol looks similar, but it is green and its lines slant downwards. So look at the colour and at the lines. You will find the other symbols under dipped beam symbol and fog light symbols.

How do you turn on your full beam?

In most cars you push the left stalk behind the steering wheel away from you. If you briefly pull the stalk towards you, the full beam flashes once. That is a light signal. Every car is different, so check the manual.

When may you use full beam headlights?

Full beam is only allowed in the dark, and only when you do not dazzle anyone. It shines much further than dipped beam. On a dark, empty road you see sooner what is coming.

Switch back to dipped beam when:

• you meet someone, including a cyclist or a pedestrian;
• you are driving close behind another vehicle;
• there is fog, snow or heavy rain: the light reflects back and you see less.

You may not use full beam during the day. Use dipped beam or daytime running lights instead.

Can you use full beam in rain or fog?

No. In rain, fog or snow you do not use full beam. During the day full beam is never allowed, not even in bad weather. In the dark the bright light reflects back off the raindrops or the fog. You then see less, and you dazzle others sooner. Use dipped beam. Is visibility seriously reduced? Then you may also use front fog lights.

Can you use full beam in a built-up area?

Yes. The rules are the same inside and outside a built-up area. The town sign says nothing about full beam. In town, though, the road is often lit and you meet many people. So in practice your full beam is usually off.

Automatic high beam: you stay responsible

Many new cars switch between full beam and dipped beam by themselves. Useful, but you stay responsible. The system does not always spot a cyclist or a car behind a hilltop in time. Then switch back yourself.

Always dip in time, also in a bend or just before a hilltop. Do not wait until the other driver flashes their lights.

What should you do when you are dazzled?

Do not look into the headlights of the oncoming car. Look at the edge of your own lane. Slow down if needed and keep more space. Do not switch on your own full beam to dazzle them back.

When may you use your horn or flash your headlights?

Using your horn or flashing your lights is only allowed to prevent imminent danger. This applies inside and outside built-up areas. Think of a car driving in the dark without lights, a loose part or a burning exhaust.

So it is not allowed:

• to greet someone;
• because you are angry that someone did not give way;
• to hurry someone along at a green light;
• to warn others of a speed check.

A signal gives nobody right of way and does not replace braking. Does a child run into the road? Brake at once. Only using your horn does not remove the danger.