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Millions of Australians will drive with their high beams on in 2025 without realising a few hundred metres is all that stands between them and fines of up to $1000.
Some mistakenly believe high beams, typically the brightest lights on a vehicle, can only be used on dark country roads without streetlights.
Others think high beams must be switched off as soon as another car is visible on the road, but that’s not true either.
And some are even in the bad habit of leaving their high beam on until right before they pass an oncoming car.
Here’s what you need to know about the road rules for high beams and the penalties for breaking them.
What are the rules for high beams in Australia?
Drivers can use high-beams on any road or street, but they must switch to low-beam when driving:
- less than 200 metres behind a vehicle travelling in the same direction
- less than 200 metres from an oncoming vehicle
Drivers also must not use any light on their vehicle, including high beams, to dazzle other people on the road.
They may, however, briefly flash their high beams immediately before beginning to overtake a vehicle.
These rules apply in all Australian states and territories.
Having this sign on your car could land you a $2200 fine
Can you get fined for misusing your high beams?
Breaching the rules around high-beam use can attract costly fines, depending on where a driver is caught.
The lowest fine is in the NT, where the penalty is $50.
In Queensland it’s $66, in WA it’s $100, and in NSW it’s $140.
The fine in Tasmania is $202 and in the ACT it’s $224.
In SA, fines range from $70 to $300, and in Victoria fines start at $305 and can exceed $1000 if the matter is taken to court.
Breaking the road rules around high-beams will also set drivers back one demerit in all states and territories.
Is it illegal to flash your high beams to warn other drivers?
Not specifically, but drivers who do it may still cop fines for inappropriate use of headlights.
“While flashing headlights to warn others of police presence is not a specific offence in NSW, it can result in charges for related offences such as dazzling a driver or illegal use of high beams,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
State and territory fines for these offences are typically in line with those listed above.
Drivers may also be charged with hindering a police officer, which may attract additional penalties.
