When must headlights be turned on during the day?

Headlights must be turned on during the day when visibility is less than 500 feet due to conditions such as fog, rain, or snow. This requirement aims to enhance safety by ensuring that vehicles can be seen by other drivers and pedestrians in low visibility situations. Adequate visibility is crucial for safe driving, and using headlights helps to illuminate the road and make the vehicle more noticeable to others, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.

In contrast, headlights are not required solely based on the time of day, such as after sunset or exclusively in urban areas. While it’s true that headlights enhance visibility in the dark or in urban settings, specifically turning them on when visibility is compromised by weather conditions is a proactive measure for improving safety on the road.