Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

What is the difference between low beam and high beam?

I’m 24, but I just started to take driving lessons. My instructor is great, but sometimes he says things and I’m too afraid to ask what he means. One example is with headlights. What’s the difference between low-beam and high-beam headlights?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Taking driving lessons is a great way to refresh your driving knowledge and you might even be eligible for
car insurance discounts
! So if you need a quick refresher, the difference between low beams and high beams is when you use them and the brightness of each.
High beams generally produce about 1,200 lumens of brightness compared to 700 lumens for low beams. Moreover, when you use your low beams and high beams is essential:
  • Use your low beams for everyday night driving, in fog, and in rain.
  • Use your high beams when you’re in darker areas where there are no street lights. Make sure to turn them off if you’re within 500 feet of another driver going the same direction as you or in the opposite direction.
Practice makes perfect when it comes to driving. But once you pass your exams and have your license in hand, make sure to shop around for an affordable car insurance policy with the
Jerry
app.
Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that will collect quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of $887 per year.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings