If you grew up in the United States, you may be familiar with a silly road trip game involving a car’s headlights. It’s not a particularly difficult game; passengers simply keep an eye out for vehicles with one headlight out. When they spot one of these vehicles, they yell the word "padiddle!" Laughter ensues as everyone argues over who spotted the vehicle first. But what happens when the person who spots your vehicle with one headlight out is a law enforcement officer?
You can (and probably will) get pulled over for having one headlight out. Vehicles are required to have two working headlights that must be engaged during certain conditions depending on your state’s laws. Headlights allow you to see the road ahead. They also warn other vehicles of your position on the road. Having one headlight out makes it more difficult for you to see, and for other drivers to see you.
Your high beam headlights are not a replacement for your standard headlights. Using high beam headlights around other vehicles can blind them and easily cause collisions. Your parking lights are not a suitable substitute, either. They cannot be seen at as far a distance as your standard headlights, and they do not allow you to see as far.
If you know that one of your headlights is out, do not drive in conditions where you need to have your headlights on (e.g., at night or in the rain). Replace the headlight as soon as possible. If you’re pulled over for having one headlight out, you’ll probably be given a notice to fix the headlight as soon as possible. You may have to pay a fine, or even get points on your driver record. Worse than that, you’re putting yourself and other roadway users in danger when you drive with one headlight out.
Want to learn more about traffic laws and safe driving? Taking an online defensive driving course or an insurance discount course is a great way to help prepare you for any type of driving situation! Click here to visit our website to see the online courses we offer in your state!
If you grew up in the United States, you may be familiar with a silly road trip game involving a car’s headlights. It’s not a particularly difficult game; passengers simply keep an eye out for vehicles with one headlight out. When they spot one of these vehicles, they yell the word "padiddle!" Laughter ensues as everyone argues over who spotted the vehicle first. But what happens when the person who spots your vehicle with one headlight out is a law enforcement officer?