ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Trisha, of Dr. Phillips, asked if it was OK to use high-beam lights when her low beams aren't working.
[ASK TROOPER STEVE: Submit your traffic questions here]
"This one falls under the common statement you may have heard from your parents: 'Two wrongs do not make a right,'" Montiero said. "As I do understand why someone would think this might be OK, you have to think about what you’re actually doing when you are using your high-beam lights."
Trooper Steve said high-beam lights are much brighter than normal low-beam lights, so using them as a supplement because your low beam lights are not working probably creates a bigger issue my possible making it difficult for other drivers to see.
Florida Statute 316.238 covers the rules of using high-beam lights.
"When approaching an oncoming vehicle and you’re within 500 feet of that car, a driver is not to use their high-beam lights," Montiero said. "When approaching another vehicle from the rear, a driver is not to use their high-beam lights within 300 feet."
Montiero said as soon as a driver notices something isn't right with their vehicle, they should immediately address the issue.
[RELATED: This is the best way to get out of a speeding ticket | These are the consequences for throwing cigarette out car window]
"Anytime you notice your car has some type of defect, the longer you go without fixing it, the bigger the issue can get," he said.
A “fix it” ticket is less than $100, according to Montiero, and a moving violation ticket for driving with your high beams on can cost you more than $160 and points on your driver's license.
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.