Night driving increases risk significantly due to reduced visibility, eye fatigue, and glare from oncoming headlights. Correct use of lights is both a safety measure and a legal requirement.
When to Use Which Lights
Dipped headlights (halvljus) are required from dusk to dawn and in poor visibility — fog, heavy rain, snowfall. Full beam (helljus) may be used on unlit roads when no oncoming vehicle or vehicle ahead would be dazzled. You must dip to half-beam when an oncoming vehicle is within approximately 300 metres, or when following another vehicle closely.
Fog Lights
Front fog lights may supplement dipped headlights in fog or heavy precipitation. Rear fog lights (red, very bright) are permitted only when visibility is below 50 metres — using them in clear conditions dazzles following drivers and is an offence.
Parking at Night
On unlit roads outside built-up areas, a parked vehicle must display parking lights or be visible in some other safe way. Parking with full headlights on blinds passing traffic and is prohibited.
Exam tip: Daytime running lights (DRL) do not replace dipped headlights at night — they are a daytime supplement only. Always switch to full dipped headlights after dark.