Is It Illegal to Drive with High Beams on in Texas? Know the Facts

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Written and Reviewed by Angel Reyes

Published on February 2025

Managing Partner at Angel Reyes & Associates
Over 30 Years of Experience in Personal Injury
Graduated From the University of Michigan Law School: Juris Doctor

Photo of High Beam Headlight

There may be times when you are driving your car that you will need more illumination than your headlights’ standard setting can provide. When it’s night and you’re on a dark and lonely stretch of road, you can feel free to use the high-intensity setting of your lights.

However, Texas high beam laws should be understood by all motor vehicle operators. Illegal high beams in Texas will have consequences, so it’s best to know the driving laws in Texas for high beams to avoid breaking the rules of the Texas Transportation Code. 

Angel Reyes & Associates is a team of personal injury lawyers in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin committed to fighting for the legal rights and compensation of victims. In this article, we explain traffic laws regarding headlights and brightness, and when it is appropriate to use the high beams on your vehicle. 

Texas Headlight Laws

In Texas, the law requires that headlights must be used at nighttime and when visibility is less than 1,000 feet, such as during foul weather. You must turn on your headlights 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, or during rain, fog, or snow. 

Newer vehicles have an automatic option that ensures your headlights will come on when you turn on your vehicle. However, if you have an older model, you will want to make sure you switch your lights on during these specific conditions.

Additionally, all vehicles must have two fully functional, white headlights. If you have any aftermarket lights installed, they should not be any other color. Your headlights should never be obscured by a grill or a cover. If you have these items installed on your vehicle, make sure that the lights are not blocked in any way. 

When to Use High Beams

You can make your headlights brighter by turning on the high beams. There are certain situations where this feature will come in handy and keep you safer on the road. However, you must also understand when it is appropriate to use this setting on your lights to avoid trouble. Here are specific tips that every driver should know about for the legality of using the brighter light setting:

Never Use High Beams When There is an Oncoming Vehicle

In Texas, it’s illegal to turn on the high beams regardless of road condition and regardless of road contour when you are approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet. 

Always Choose a Lower Light or Composite Beam When Other Vehicles Are Near

You must select the lowermost distribution of light or composite beam when there is an approaching vehicle operator to avoid blinding the driver in front of you or on the opposite side of the road. If you are approaching a vehicle from the rear within 300 feet, you can’t use the uppermost distribution of light.

You can use high beams when driving in the same direction as other vehicles as long as there is enough distance between you to prevent hindering their view in the rearview mirror, but not when approaching an oncoming vehicle.

Headlight Requirements in Texas

Under Texas law, headlights must meet specific requirements for the type, number, and location on a vehicle. The laws also specify the way a lamp projects light, and the intensity must be enough to be seen from a distance of 1,000 feet.

Headlights must be installed and used in accordance with Texas law, and the obligations for higher intensity lights must be upheld. You are to keep the color and brightness of your headlights in accordance with these laws for proper road safety. They must be bright enough to see clearly with a distribution aimed so that no part of the high intensity lights are bright enough to blind other drivers.

Penalties for Breaking Headlight Laws

If you fail to follow Texas headlight laws, it can result in fines and additional consequences. You may be subjected to fines and end up with points on your driver’s license. This will impact your insurance policy as citations and points lead to increased insurance costs. 

Headlight laws are designed to keep everyone safe on the road and prevent accidents. Not following these rules can lead to your getting pulled over. It can also impact visibility, leading to a greater risk of an accident. 

If you get into a car crash, you may be blamed if you have engaged in improper headlight use. All drivers should take the right steps to make sure their vehicles are road-ready with functioning lights, and refrain from dialing up the brightness unless they are in the right circumstances.

Safe Driving Practices

Just as you want to follow the traffic regulations by not running a red light, a driver needs to abide by other simple actions to follow safe driving practices. You should make sure that your vehicle headlights meet legal requirements in Texas to prevent accidents and avoid being pulled over for illegal headlight use.

As an operator approaching an oncoming vehicle, only use your high beams when necessary. Switch back to the low beam setting when approaching another car. As an operator approaching a vehicle from the rear, you should be aware and be considerate of their visibility and turn down the high beam setting. 

Always keep your headlights clean and clear to ensure proper visibility, and inspect them regularly to make sure they are working right. This also applies to your taillights and brake lights. With regular maintenance of all your lights, signals, and driving systems, you can stay safe on the road. 

Keeping Your Texas Driving Record Clean

When drivers get citations for issues with headlights and bright beams in Texas, it can cause greater expense. You’ll need to pay the fine associated with your ticket, and you’ll also endure increases in your auto insurance policy.

If you get a ticket for your headlights, you will need to have the repair made and show proof to the court. You may have the option of taking a Texas driver safety course as well, which can help dismiss a ticket and keep your driving record clean.

What to Do When You Get Into an Accident While Using High Beams

If you had the bright setting switched on in your car and it caused a crash, you may wind up being held fully or partially liable. Texas is a state that follows an at-fault insurance model, which holds the driver who caused the auto wreck responsible for injuries and damages.

It also has a modified comparative negligence rule that allows for shared fault in these situations. For example, if you had this setting on during sunlight or when approaching the other vehicle, the bright lights may have made you less visible. The other driver may not have seen you, leading to the crash.

The insurance company may claim this makes you more at fault, which can reduce the compensation you would receive. However, if the other driver blinded you at night, causing a safety issue that lead to a car accident, you could seek legal recourse. 

After any collision, if headlights were an issue, it is important to investigate and gather evidence. This step can go more smoothly with the help of an attorney. Contact Angel Reyes & Associates to discuss your next steps.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced car accident lawyer specialist to protect your rights against insurance companies dedicated to minimizing your claim and compensation!

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