Low visibility and wet roads make driving hazardous, and they call for slower speeds and more following distance. Oregon's headlight law uses specific distances, so learn the numbers. Then learn how fog and rain change what you should do with your lights and brakes.
Know the rule
Hazardous conditions require slower speeds and increased following distances.
Handbook p. 84 ↗Headlight rules
| When | What the law requires |
|---|---|
| Sunset to sunrise | Headlights on |
| Can't see people/vehicles 1,000 ft ahead | Headlights on |
| Oncoming vehicle within 500 ft | Dim your high beams |
| Following a vehicle within 350 ft | Dim your lights |
Know the rule
When you must dim your headlights, auxiliary lights such as fog lights must be off.
Handbook p. 84 ↗Know the rule
It's illegal to drive at night or in bad weather with only parking lights on. A vehicle stopped or parked on a road or shoulder must have parking lights on in limited visibility.
Handbook p. 84 ↗Night driving tips
- You can only see as far as your headlights, so your reactions are slower
- Look a little to the right of oncoming lights, at the road edge or fog line, to reduce glare
- Check that headlights, taillights and turn signals work and lenses are clean
- Be careful passing at dawn or dusk — oncoming vehicles may not have headlights on
- Watch for bicyclists and pedestrians; they're harder to see
Know the rule
In fog, dust, smoke or any low visibility, use low beams — high beams reflect back and cause glare. Slow down as visibility drops and watch for slow or stopped vehicles. To pull off, go as far right as you can and turn on hazard lights.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Driving in rain
- Brake sooner and more gently than usual — braking distance increases
- Even summer showers make roads slippery when rain mixes with oil and dirt
- Turn on your headlights when your windshield wipers are on
- Don't use cruise control in wet conditions
- Keep windows clear of moisture
Hydroplaning
When tires skim or float over a wet road surface, reducing or eliminating your ability to steer and stop. Slow down when roads are wet.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Know the rule
If you drive through water and your brakes get wet, gently apply them while driving slowly until they respond — as soon as you can. Don't drive through flooded areas; high water can cause loss of control or stall the engine.
Handbook p. 86 ↗Put it into practice
You're using high beams on a dark highway and see a car's taillights ahead about 300 feet. Switch to low beams — you must dim within 350 feet when following, and within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.