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Dipped and main beam

Main beam: you see far – animals and people too Dipped beam when meeting others, so you do not dazzle
Use main beam when you can, so you see pedestrians and animals early. Dip when meeting others, following closely or when you could dazzle people walking or cycling.

You must always have your lights on when driving. Daytime running lights often light only the front, so in darkness, fog and tunnels switch on dipped headlights so the rear lights come on too. Use main beam when you can, because you then see pedestrians and animals much earlier. Dip when meeting others, following closely, or when you could dazzle people walking, cycling or on railways and water.

Example

A car approaches on a dark country road.

Dip in good time. If you are dazzled yourself, slow down, look towards the right edge and stop if needed.

Keep the headlights clean. Dirty lights can give much weaker light without you noticing.
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Part of Car licence (class B): Lights, signals and traffic lights.