Law on dimming headlights?

Question

Louisiana's current law on dimming lights when approaching an oncoming car.

Answer 1

The generally accepted distance for dimming headlights when approaching an oncoming car is 500 feet.

Answer 2

I always dim my headlights when I see a car coming towards me or in front of me no matter what state I am driving in. When on my motorcycle I drive with my high beams on during the day to be seen..no matter what the law says.

Answer 3

Same as every other state. Brights when no vehicles directly in front of you, regardless of whether they are approaching or going in the same direction as you.

All other times, normal headlights.

Answer 4

Specific to LA as follows:

§322.  Use of multiple beam road lighting equipment

A.  Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated on a roadway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times specified in R.S. 32:301, the driver shall use a distribution of light or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at safe distance in advance of the vehicle subject to the following requirements and limitations.

B.  Whenever a driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver.  The lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, specified in R.S. 32:321, shall be dimmed to avoid glare at all times, regardless of road contour and loading.

C.  Whenever the driver of a vehicle follows another vehicle within 200 feet to the rear, except when engaged in the act of overtaking or passing, such driver shall use a distribution of light permissible under this Chapter other than the uppermost distribution of light specified in R.S. 32:321(1).

D.  Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within five hundred feet or follows another vehicle two hundred feet to the rear, such driver shall not use any fog lamps or other auxiliary driving or passing lamps, except during periods of inclement weather or fog.

Acts 1962, No. 310, §1; Acts 1988, No. 598, §1.

Answer 5

When your vehicle’s high beam headlights are on, you must dim or lower the beam when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet (approximately the distance of one city black) or when you are following another vehicle within 500 feet.

Dimming headlights when following other vehicles is a practical safety step.

The glare from your headlights in a rear-view mirror can blind another driver.