When is it safe to use high beam headlights?

Using high beam headlights is appropriate on dark, open roads when no other vehicles are present because these conditions allow for the maximum visibility and illumination without causing glare for other drivers. High beams provide a longer range of light, which helps you see further down the road and spot potential hazards sooner.

In contrast, using high beams in brightly lit city environments is unnecessary and can be blinding to other drivers due to the abundance of streetlights. In foggy conditions, high beams can actually reflect off the fog droplets, creating a glare that reduces visibility, so low beams are preferable. Similarly, in rain or bad weather, low beams are recommended, as high beams can also reflect off the rain, making it harder to see. Therefore, the ideal scenario for using high beam headlights is indeed on dark, open roads with little to no traffic.