California Car / Permit practice question · Traffic Laws
When are you required to turn on your headlights?
Answer choices
- Only after it is completely dark
- From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise— Correct answer
- Only on the freeway at night
- Whenever there is any other traffic
Why this is the answer
Use your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. You also need them on whenever it is too dark to see 1,000 feet ahead. Waiting until it is fully dark is too late, and the rule does not depend on whether other traffic is around or whether you are on a freeway.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Headlights
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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