Under what circumstances is it appropriate to use high beams?

Using high beams is appropriate on open roads without oncoming traffic and when visibility is poor because high beams significantly enhance your ability to see further ahead compared to low beams. This is particularly useful in dark, rural settings where street lighting is minimal. In these conditions, using high beams allows you to better identify any potential hazards, such as animals or pedestrians, that may be difficult to see otherwise.

On the other hand, using high beams in heavy traffic can blind other drivers and creates a hazard. In rainy or foggy conditions, high beams can reflect off the precipitation, creating glare that reduces visibility. Similarly, using high beams at dusk when other cars are present can also be problematic, as it may impair the vision of oncoming drivers. Therefore, it's essential to use high beams responsibly and only when it is safe and appropriate to do so.