päävalot

Päävalot is the Finnish term for a vehicle’s main headlights, also known as high beams. In everyday language and on road signs, the word refers to the brighter of the two headlamp settings that are intended for use in low‑visibility conditions such as night driving or heavy snowfall. Finnish traffic regulations require that high beams be used only when no oncoming traffic is present and that they be dimmed or switched to low beams when another vehicle is approaching, to avoid glare. The legal specifications for brightness and beam pattern are set by the Finnish Transport Agency, which adopted national standards that harmonise with EU directives.

The concept of päävalot can be traced back to the early days of motoring, when single headlamps illuminated the road ahead. By the late 1970s Finnish manufacturers had largely moved to dual headlights, giving the right‑hand lamp a higher intensity beam. In recent years many new cars use LED or xenon high‑beam systems equipped with automatic on‑off functions that detect on‑coming traffic and adjust the beam accordingly. Winter road conditions often necessitate frequent switching, and drivers are advised to drive at reduced speeds until the glare subsides. Päävalot remain a critical element of vehicle safety and are a common topic in driver education and automotive maintenance courses.