Is It Illegal to Drive With High Beams On in Florida?

Every driver in Florida has been there—you’re cruising down a dark road at night, and a car coming toward you refuses to dim its bright headlights. It’s frustrating, dangerous, and unfortunately, all too common. But many drivers don’t realize that improper use of high beams isn’t just rude—it’s illegal under Florida law. At Stockwell Law, we help drivers understand how state traffic laws affect safety, liability, and responsibility on the road.

Florida’s Law on High Beams

Under Florida Statute §316.238, it is illegal to use high-beam headlights (also known as “brights”) when approaching another vehicle within 500 feet, or when following another car within 300 feet. The reason is simple: high beams can temporarily blind or disorient oncoming drivers, dramatically increasing the risk of an accident.

Headlights are meant to help drivers see better at night—but they must be used responsibly. In most modern cars, the high-beam switch is manual, which means drivers must pay attention and adjust as needed when traffic conditions change. Failing to do so can result in fines, tickets, and, more importantly, accidents caused by glare or visibility issues.

Why High Beams Are a Safety Issue

The human eye takes several seconds to recover after being exposed to bright light at night. When one driver leaves their high beams on, the other’s ability to see the road, pedestrians, or hazards is reduced. That short period of “night blindness” can be enough to cause a collision.

In Fort Lauderdale and other busy parts of Broward County, where roads are often congested and lined with streetlights, high beams can create even more glare. This makes it harder for other drivers to react, particularly in wet or reflective conditions.

In rural areas, high beams can be useful for spotting wildlife or unlit obstacles, but even then, drivers must dim their lights when another car appears in their field of vision. The law isn’t about limiting visibility—it’s about maintaining safety for everyone sharing the road.

What Happens If You’re Ticketed for High Beams

Improper use of high beams is considered a noncriminal traffic infraction in Florida. It’s categorized as a moving violation, which can lead to a fine and points on your driver’s license. Depending on your county, fines typically range from $100 to $150, but the real cost can be higher—points on your record may increase your insurance rates for years.

If you were ticketed for high beam misuse in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, Stockwell Law can help you review the citation, understand your options, and determine whether contesting it is in your best interest. Sometimes, tickets are issued unfairly or without clear evidence that another vehicle was affected. In those cases, we help clients challenge the citation and protect their driving record.

High Beams and Accident Liability

One of the lesser-known aspects of Florida’s high beam law is how it applies in car accident cases. If a driver fails to dim their headlights and causes an accident, that behavior can be used as evidence of negligence.

For instance, if a driver’s high beams temporarily blinded another motorist, leading to a collision, the at-fault driver could be held liable for damages. Improper use of headlights may not seem like a serious offense, but it can have serious consequences in personal injury claims.

At Stockwell Law, we’ve handled many accident cases where visibility played a key role. Our legal team investigates the scene, reviews dashcam footage, and examines police reports to determine whether high-beam misuse contributed to the crash. If it did, that factor can strengthen your case and help you recover fair compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.

Safe Headlight Practices for Florida Drivers

To stay compliant with Florida law and keep the roads safer for everyone, here are a few best practices for using your headlights:

• Dim your lights when approaching or following another vehicle.

• Use low beams in fog, rain, or heavy traffic to reduce glare.

• Check headlight alignment regularly—poorly aimed lights can be just as blinding as high beams.

• Avoid high beams in urban areas like downtown Fort Lauderdale where street lighting is sufficient.

• Keep lenses clean and replace dim bulbs to ensure balanced lighting.

Responsible headlight use not only helps you avoid tickets but also prevents accidents and injuries.

When Improper Lighting Leads to an Accident

If you’ve been involved in an accident where glare, blinding lights, or improper headlight use played a role, you may be entitled to compensation. Proving fault in these cases can be complex, but with the right legal team, it’s possible to demonstrate how another driver’s carelessness created unsafe conditions.

Stockwell Law represents car accident victims across Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and the entire Broward County area. We understand Florida’s traffic laws and how violations like improper high beam use can impact liability in a personal injury claim. Our attorneys gather the evidence, consult with experts, and fight to ensure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.

Call Stockwell Law today for a free consultation and get the dedicated representation you need to move forward.