Night driving speed and lights — Montana Permit Test

Because vision is reduced at night, slow down, and take into account the road, the car and the weather as well as the speed limit.

Headlights show only a short stretch of road, and at day speeds you can outrun what they light up.

Because vision is reduced at night, drivers cannot see as well at night, so SLOW DOWN.

Never drive with only your parking lights on; oncoming traffic may think you are stopped. Parking lights are for parked cars only.

A car moving with just its small lights looks parked, so another driver may pull out right in front of it.

NEVER drive with your parking lights, as oncoming traffic may think that you are stopped.

If you stop at night with mechanical trouble, move right out of the traffic lane and leave your parking lights on, with headlights dimmed if they are on.

A dark car stopped beside the road at night is invisible until a driver is right on top of it.

If at night, be sure to leave your parking lights on and if your headlights are on, make sure that they are dimmed.

Why should you slow down when driving at night?

Your vision is reduced at night. Headlights show only a short stretch of road, and at day speeds you can outrun what they light up. Montana Driver Manual, p.55: “Because vision is reduced at night, drivers cannot see as well at night, so SLOW DOWN.”