19.14. How should the driver of a vehicle using high beam headlights at night act if drivers of oncoming vehicles located at a distance of more than 250 m periodically switch their headlights?
UAЯк повинен вчинити водій транспортного засобу, який рухається з дальнім світлом фар у темний час доби, якщо водії зустрічних транспортних засобів, що знаходяться на відстані більше ніж 250 м, періодично перемикають світло фар?
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This is a driving exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety at night and the correct use of lighting devices to avoid dazzling other road users. High beams improve visibility for the driver but can also create danger for oncoming and following vehicles, causing disorientation and driving errors. That is why the traffic rules pay special attention to the moment when it is necessary to switch to low beams.
For the theoretical exam, this question checks the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the use of external lighting devices (item 19.2), as well as understanding warning signals (item 9.1) and the concept of "nighttime" (item 1.10). The key idea is this: 250 meters is the minimum distance for switching before oncoming traffic, but if oncoming drivers, even from a greater distance, periodically "flash" their headlights, this is a signal that you are dazzling them, and you need to reduce the light impact immediately.
The analysis of the options in this exam question is straightforward. Immediate switching to low beams corresponds to item 19.2, which directly requires switching earlier than the established 250 meters if another driver indicates the need for this. Switching to fog lights does not solve the dazzling problem according to the traffic rules and is not a correct substitute for low beams. Waiting until exactly 250 meters ignores the warning signal from the oncoming driver and contradicts the requirement to respond to possible dazzling at a greater distance, which is critically important for safe passing of oncoming vehicles.
Clause 19.2
The high beam must be switched to low beam at least 250 m before an oncoming vehicle, as well as when it may dazzle other drivers, including those moving in the same direction. The lights must also be switched at a greater distance if the driver of the oncoming vehicle indicates the need for this by periodically switching their headlights.
Clause 9.1
Warning signals include, in particular, switching headlights.
(Application to the question: periodic switching of headlights by oncoming drivers is a warning signal indicating the need to reduce dazzling — that is, to switch to low beam.)
Clause 1.10 (term “Dark time of day”)
Dark time of day — the part of the day from sunset to sunrise.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Immediately switch to low beam," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, during the dark time of day, the high beam must be switched to low beam not only at least 250 m before an oncoming vehicle, but also at a greater distance if oncoming drivers signal with their headlights about dazzling.
At night, a driver may use high beams to better see the road. However, high beams have a strong light output and can dazzle other road users, especially drivers of oncoming vehicles.
The rules set a minimum distance at which you must switch to low beams when meeting oncoming traffic: at least 250 meters before the oncoming vehicle. At the same time, Clause 19.2 of the Traffic Rules directly requires switching the lights even earlier if there is any indication that you are disturbing another driver.
When drivers of oncoming vehicles, even when more than 250 meters away, periodically flash their headlights, this is a clear signal: your high beams are dazzling them or causing discomfort. Since the brightness of headlights varies between cars, and people perceive light differently, relying only on the “formal” 250 meters is not enough. That is why the Traffic Rules require you to respond to such a warning and reduce the glare immediately.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Immediately switch to low beams," because according to Clause 19.2 of the Traffic Rules, high beams must be switched not only at 250 meters, but also at a greater distance if the oncoming driver signals by flashing their headlights that they are being dazzled.