When lights are required, drivers must switch to low beam headlights when following another vehicle at what distance?
- Within 60 m ✓
- Within 30 m
- Within 120 m
- This only applies when approaching another vehicle
Answer: A. Within 60 m
When lights are required, switch to low beam within 60 metres of the vehicle you are following.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says to use low beams when following another vehicle within 60 metres, and also when an oncoming vehicle is within 150 metres. The following distance is the one asked about here, so the 60-metre choice is correct. The same rules apply on all roads, including divided ones, and you do not need low beams for a vehicle you are passing.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Within 30 m — The handbook gives 60 metres for following another vehicle, not 30 metres, so this distance is too short.
- C. Within 120 m — 120 metres is not the stated following distance; the handbook says 60 metres when following, while 150 metres is the figure for oncoming vehicles.
- D. This only applies when approaching another vehicle — The low-beam rule is not limited to approaching vehicles; the handbook also requires low beams when you are following within 60 metres.
Remember it
Think 60 behind, 150 ahead: dim for the vehicle you follow at 60 metres and for the one coming toward you at 150 metres.
Official handbook: Official MTO Driver's Handbook, Driving at night and in bad weather – Glare