Safe driving and emergencies
Under California rules, when must you turn on your headlights?
- From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever you need your windshield wipers because of fog, rain, or snow. Correct answer
- Only when it is completely dark outside.
- From one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise.
Why
Headlights are required from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and also whenever it is too dark to see 1,000 feet ahead. The rule people forget is the wipers rule: if fog, rain, or snow makes you turn on your windshield wipers, you must turn on your low-beam headlights too, even in the middle of the day. The handbook also calls for headlights in tunnels and on mountain roads, when clouds, dust, or smoke keep you from seeing other vehicles, when a sign says headlights must be on, and to help others see you when the sun is low on the horizon. Waiting until it is completely dark is too late, one hour is the wrong number, and driving with only your parking lights on is illegal.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever you need your windshield wipers because of fog, rain, or snow.
The rule behind this one
Safe driving and emergencies in California goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on safe driving and emergencies
- Your rear wheels begin to skid on an icy road. What should you do first?
- Your vehicle starts to hydroplane on a wet freeway. What should you do?
- You must drive through heavy fog. Which lights should you use?
- A child is under 2 years old, weighs less than 40 pounds, and is shorter than 3 feet 4 inches. How must the child ride in your vehicle?