At night, when is it acceptable to use high beam lights?

Using high beam lights at night is appropriate on empty roads without other vehicles within 500 feet. High beam headlights illuminate a larger area and provide better visibility in dark conditions. However, they can cause visibility issues for other drivers if used when other vehicles are nearby, as the bright light can hinder their ability to see. Therefore, using high beams is acceptable when there are no oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead within a significant distance, such as 500 feet.

In contrast, using high beams in crowded urban areas is not advisable as street lights are typically sufficient for visibility, and high beams could be disruptive. Anytime after sunset is too broad of a guideline since high beams should be used thoughtfully depending on the presence of other vehicles. Using high beams solely during road construction is also limiting, as proper use should be dictated more by the presence of other cars than by the location alone.