highbeam

High beams, or high-beam headlights, are a vehicle lighting setting designed to illuminate the road ahead at greater distance than low beams. They are intended for use on dark, empty roads where there is no oncoming traffic or rearward glare, allowing the driver to detect hazards such as animals, pedestrians, and obstacles at longer ranges.

Operation and optics: High-beam headlights typically produce a brighter, more narrowly focused beam aimed higher than low beams. The goal is to maximize forward visibility while controlling glare for other road users. Technologies vary by bulb type—halogen, high-intensity discharge (HID), or light-emitting diode (LED)—but the basic purpose remains the same. Proper alignment and lens cleanliness are essential to prevent excessive glare and to ensure the beam pattern reaches the farthest distance without blinding others.

Usage and safety: In many places, high beams should be avoided when there is oncoming traffic or when a vehicle is directly ahead at a distance within a certain range. A common guideline is to switch to low beams at night when another vehicle is within 200–300 meters, or sooner if glare is evident. Some modern vehicles include automatic high-beam functions that switch between high and low beams based on sensor input, and some use adaptive or selectively variable lighting to reduce glare.

Regulation and standards: Lighting regulations differ by region (for example, SAE and DOT in North America, ECE in Europe). These standards govern brightness, aim, and the conditions for use. Many cars with automatic high beams must detect oncoming traffic and adjust accordingly, but drivers are still responsible for proper usage.

Maintenance: Regular checks of alignment, lens cleanliness, and bulb replacement are needed to maintain performance and reduce glare. Improperly aimed or worn high beams can create hazards for other road users.