When should you NOT use high-beam lighting?

Using high-beam headlights in fog, snow, or heavy rain is discouraged because these conditions can cause light to reflect off the precipitation, creating a glare that reduces visibility for the driver. High beams can illuminate the particles in the air, which can obscure the driver's view and make it difficult to see the road ahead. Instead, low beams are recommended in such weather to provide better visibility without the distracting glare.

In contrast, high beams are appropriate in dark rural areas where there are fewer streetlights and minimal traffic, as well as on open highways where they help illuminate the road further ahead when no other vehicles are present. Driving at night in clear conditions also allows for the use of high beams, enhancing visibility until another vehicle approaches or it becomes unsafe to use them.