A 3-minute lesson from the Montana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
You can't see as well at night, and 90% of driving decisions depend on sight — so slow down. Use your headlights correctly, keep your eyes out of oncoming glare, and avoid long drives when tired.
Know the rule
Turn on headlights from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and any time poor light means you can't see people or vehicles 500 feet away.
Don't look directly at oncoming headlights; watch the right edge of the road. If an oncoming driver flicks their lights at you, check that yours are dimmed.
With a mechanical problem or tire failure, slow down gently and don't pull off until the vehicle is under control. At night, leave your parking lights on and dim your headlights.
Avoid long night drives. When fatigued, stop at least every two hours, let in fresh air, sing or play the radio. If drowsy, pull off and nap — or better, find a room for the night.
On a dark two-lane road, an oncoming car's lights are blinding. Don't stare into them — shift your eyes to the right edge line and hold your lane until it passes.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When must you turn on your headlights, based on visibility, even during the day?
Whenever visibility drops below 500 feet
Whenever visibility drops below 1,000 feet
Only after sunset
Only in construction zones
Answer: Whenever visibility drops below 500 feet
Headlights are required anytime visibility drops below 500 feet, regardless of time of day, due to weather or dust.