There's a good chance you've done it without even thinking. You're driving along a quiet road after dark, confident in your years of experience behind the wheel, when suddenly you notice another car approaching.
Do you dim your high beams now, or wait until you're closer? That split-second decision could cost you hundreds of dollars.
In 2025, many Australians will unknowingly drive with their high beams on, risking fines of up to $1000 for just being a few hundred meters too close.
For drivers over 60 who often prefer the enhanced visibility that high beams provide during evening trips, understanding these rules has never been more important.
The 200-metre rule that everyone gets wrong
'While flashing headlights to warn others of police presence is not a specific offence in NSW, it can result in charges for related offences such as dazzling a driver or illegal use of high beams'
The Australian Road Rules are quite specific about high beam usage, but many drivers misunderstand the key distance. According to the Australian Road Rules, a driver cannot keep high-beams on when within 200 meters of another car.
Drivers must switch to low-beam headlights when:
- Less than 200 metres behind a vehicle travelling in the same direction
- Less than 200 metres from an oncoming vehicle
- Using any light that could dazzle other people on the road
The rules do allow drivers to briefly flash their high beams immediately before overtaking, but this exception often creates confusion about appropriate usage.
State penalties: where a mistake costs most
2025 traffic fine increases
All penalties in NSW have increased by 3.2 per cent from July 1 to reflect the Consumer Price Index, while Queensland has increased fines by 3.5 per cent. These adjustments affect high beam penalties across most states and territories.
The financial sting of misusing high beams varies dramatically depending on where you're caught:
Lowest penalties:
- Northern Territory: $50
- Queensland: $66
- Western Australia: $100
Mid-range penalties:
- NSW: $140
- Tasmania: $202
- ACT: $224
Highest penalties:
- South Australia: $70 to $300 (depending on circumstances)
- Victoria: fines start at $305 and can exceed $1000 if the matter is taken to court
Every state and territory also adds one demerit point to your licence for high beam violations.
The misconceptions putting drivers at risk
The issue is more pertinent to country and regional people, who use high beam when driving on unlit highways.
Driving on dark and poorly lit roads is a nightmare for most people and high-beams are a necessary tool in those regions, particularly country roads.
Myth 1: High beams are only for pitch-black country roads
Reality: You can legally use high beams on any road, including well-lit city streets, as long as you follow the 200-metre rule.
Myth 2: Switch off high beams the moment you see another car
Reality: The 200-metre distance rule gives you flexibility—you don't need to dim immediately when spotting distant traffic.
Myth 3: It's okay to leave high beams on until just before passing
Reality: Driving with high-beams on when another car is approaching can cause momentary blindness and disorientation. Road-safety professionals say this split moment of blindness can create a disaster.
Essential high beam facts for safe driving
- 200 metres is the magic distance for both oncoming and following traffic
- All states add 1 demerit point for violations
- Victoria has the highest potential penalty at $1000+
- Brief flashing before overtaking is the only legal exception
- The Government of Australia has noticed the increasing rate of accidents due to high beam lights misuse, with new policies deployed starting June 15, 2023
Night driving safety for experienced drivers
For drivers over 60, night driving presents unique challenges that make understanding headlight rules even more crucial. Age-related changes in vision, including increased sensitivity to glare and slower adjustment to light changes, mean proper headlight etiquette isn't just about avoiding fines—it's about safety.
Research suggests older drivers are at a much higher risk of getting into accidents during the night. However, this doesn't mean giving up evening drives. Instead, it means being extra conscientious about headlight usage and following a few additional safety practices:
- Clean your headlights regularly—dirty lenses can reduce light output by up to 40 per cent
- Have your vision checked annually and ensure prescription glasses are up to date
- Increase following distances at night to allow more reaction time
- Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights to prevent temporary vision impairment
Increased enforcement in 2025
Many police in some regions have said they will keep tracking the use of headlights, especially at night, for driving regulation purposes.
The police report that complaints about driving with improperly diverted high beams are common violations.
Advanced technology, including real-time number plate recognition, will be employed along major highways.
The National Transport Commission is collaborating with tech firms to ensure national integration of offender tracking systems by September 2025.
This enhanced enforcement comes as part of broader road safety initiatives. Australia's decision to implement extensive reforms stems from alarming statistics that demanded immediate action. Reports showed a 15 per cent increase in road accidents compared to the previous year.
Setting the record straight on senior driving
Did you know?
Did you know?
Viral online articles have falsely claimed older motorists would face curfews between 10pm and 5am, but transport authorities have confirmed these stories are completely untrue. Transport for NSW confirmed 'there have been no changes to driving restrictions/requirements for older drivers.'
It's worth addressing some concerning misinformation that's been circulating online. Recent viral articles have claimed that Australia has introduced night driving curfews for drivers over 60, restricting them from driving between 10pm and 5am. This is completely false.
The Department of Major Infrastructure in Western Australia said 'this fabricated news has been shared extensively online and resulted in distress for those who believe the claims are true.'
There are no age-based driving curfews in Australia. Senior drivers retain the same driving rights as any other licensed driver, provided they meet standard licensing requirements and follow road rules—including proper high beam usage.
The bottom line on beam etiquette
Drivers can be fined $140 for failing to lower their high beam headlights when another car is approaching. The use of high-beams is a direct violation of road-safety concerns and can result in greatly endangering others because it can cause momentary blindness.
Remember, the 200-metre rule exists for good reason. Drivers coming from the opposite side can get blinded momentarily, increasing the chances of a crash. Also, drivers in front of a car using high beams may struggle to focus, making it more dangerous to switch lanes or turn.
What This Means For You
With increased enforcement and updated penalties now in effect across Australia, there's never been a better time to brush up on your high beam knowledge. The few seconds it takes to switch to low beam could save you hundreds of dollars—and potentially prevent a serious accident.
Have you ever been caught off-guard by high beam rules, or do you have tips for safe night driving that have worked well for you over the years? Share your experiences and help fellow drivers navigate the roads safely.
Original Article
https://www.9news.com.au/national/h...xplained/2ad1b8eb-d38e-4000-9661-fb970cc0a83a
The Headlight Mistake That Might Cost You $1,000—Internewscast Journal
Cited text: In 2025, many Australians will unknowingly drive with their high beams on, risking fines of up to $1000 for just being a few hundred meters too close.
Excerpt: In 2025, many Australians will unknowingly drive with their high beams on, risking fines of up to $1000 for just being a few hundred meters too close.
https://internewscast.com/news/au/the-headlight-mistake-that-might-cost-you-1000/
Australian Traffic Rules - $140 Fine For Using High-Beam Headlights on Oncoming Vehicles
Cited text: According to the Australian Road Rules, a driver cannot keep high-beams on when within 200 meters of another car.
Excerpt: According to the Australian Road Rules, a driver cannot keep high-beams on when within 200 meters of another car.
https://gkspatios.com.au/using-high-beam-headlights/
Australian Traffic Rules - $140 Fine For Using High-Beam Headlights on Oncoming Vehicles
Cited text: Australian Traffic Rules—$888 Fine on Common Navigation Mistake · According to the Australian Road Rules, a driver cannot keep high-beams on when wi...
Excerpt: According to the Australian Road Rules, a driver cannot keep high-beams on when within 200 meters of another car.
https://gkspatios.com.au/using-high-beam-headlights/
Every new Australian road rule and fine taking effect from July 1 2025 | Open Road
Cited text: Beginning with the Premier state, all penalties, fees and charges in NSW have increased by 3.2 per cent from July 1 to reflect the CPI.
Excerpt: All penalties in NSW have increased by 3.2 per cent from July 1 to reflect the Consumer Price Index, while Queensland has increased fines by 3.5 per cent.
https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road/news/2025/new-road-rules-and-fines
Australia’s 2025 Traffic Fine Overhaul, Key Changes from July 1—Allweathergrass
Cited text: Queensland has increased fines by 3.5 percent, with one penalty unit rising to approximately $166.95 from July 1, up from the current rate of $161.30....
Excerpt: All penalties in NSW have increased by 3.2 per cent from July 1 to reflect the Consumer Price Index, while Queensland has increased fines by 3.5 per cent.
https://allweathergrass.com.au/australias-2025-traffic-fine-overhaul/
The Headlight Mistake That Might Cost You $1,000—Internewscast Journal
Cited text: In SA, fines range from $70 to $300, and in Victoria fines start at $305 and can exceed $1000 if the matter is taken to court.
Excerpt: Victoria: fines start at $305 and can exceed $1000 if the matter is taken to court
https://internewscast.com/news/au/the-headlight-mistake-that-might-cost-you-1000/
Australian Traffic Rules - $140 Fine For Using High-Beam Headlights on Oncoming Vehicles
Cited text: The issue is more pertinent to the country and regional people, who use high beam when driving on unlit highways.
Excerpt: The issue is more pertinent to country and regional people, who use high beam when driving on unlit highways.
https://gkspatios.com.au/using-high-beam-headlights/
Australian Traffic Rules - $140 Fine For Using High-Beam Headlights on Oncoming Vehicles
Cited text: Driving on dark and poorly lit roads is a nightmare for most people and high-beams are a necessary tool in those regions, particularly country roads.
Excerpt: Driving on dark and poorly lit roads is a nightmare for most people and high-beams are a necessary tool in those regions, particularly country roads.
https://gkspatios.com.au/using-high-beam-headlights/
Australian Traffic Rules - $140 Fine For Using High-Beam Headlights on Oncoming Vehicles
Cited text: However, driving with high-beams on when another car is approaching can cause momentary blindness and disorientation and greatly impair a person’s abi...
Excerpt: Driving with high-beams on when another car is approaching can cause momentary blindness and disorientation.
https://gkspatios.com.au/using-high-beam-headlights/
$270 Traffic Fine for Improper High Beam Headlight Usage
Cited text: The Government of Australia has noticed the increasing rate of accidents due to high beam lights misuse. Starting June 15, 2023, new policies and stra...
Excerpt: The Government of Australia has noticed the increasing rate of accidents due to high beam lights misuse, with new policies deployed starting June 15, 2023
https://iwrn2025.com.au/fine-for-improper-high-beam-headlight/
Australia’s New Traffic Law: Night Driving Curfew on Drivers Aged 60+
Cited text: Research suggests older drivers are at a much higher risk of getting into accidents during the night, and that curfews for driving at night would be b...
Excerpt: Research suggests older drivers are at a much higher risk of getting into accidents during the night.
https://www.fruitmaster.com.au/australias-new-traffic-law/
Australian Traffic Rules - $140 Fine For Using High-Beam Headlights on Oncoming Vehicles
Cited text: Traffic Rules Australia 2025—$555 Fine on Common Mobile Mistake · Many police in some regions have said they will keep tracking the use of headlight...
Excerpt: Many police in some regions have said they will keep tracking the use of headlights, especially at night, for driving regulation purposes.
https://gkspatios.com.au/using-high-beam-headlights/
Australia’s 2025 Traffic Fine Overhaul, Key Changes from July 1—Allweathergrass
Cited text: Advanced technology, including real-time number plate recognition, will be employed along major highways to identify unregistered vehicles or suspende...
Excerpt: Advanced technology, including real-time number plate recognition, will be employed along major highways.
https://allweathergrass.com.au/australias-2025-traffic-fine-overhaul/
Australia’s 2025 Traffic Fine Overhaul, Key Changes from July 1—Allweathergrass
Cited text: Australia’s decision to implement these extensive reforms stems from alarming statistics that demanded immediate action. Reports showed a 15 per cent increase...
Excerpt: Australia's decision to implement extensive reforms stems from alarming statistics that demanded immediate action.
https://allweathergrass.com.au/australias-2025-traffic-fine-overhaul/
Fake news sparks fears of night driving ban for over-60s | News | Open Road | The NRMA
Cited text: Viral online articles falsely claim older motorists would face curfews between 10pm and 5am. Transport authorities have confirmed the stories are untr...
Excerpt: Viral online articles have falsely claimed older motorists would face curfews between 10pm and 5am, but transport authorities have confirmed these stories are completely untrue.
https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road/news/2025/false-news-night-driving-ban-over-60s
Fake news sparks fears of night driving ban for over-60s | News | Open Road | The NRMA
Cited text: · Transport for NSW, in an email to Open Road, confirmed that the articles contain false information and that “there have been no changes to driving r...
Excerpt: Transport for NSW confirmed 'there have been no changes to driving restrictions/requirements for older drivers.'
https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road/news/2025/false-news-night-driving-ban-over-60s
Australian Traffic Rules - $140 Fine For Using High-Beam Headlights on Oncoming Vehicles
Cited text: A reminder goes out to the Australian drivers that they can be fined $140 for failing to lower their high beam headlights when another car is approach...
Excerpt: Drivers can be fined $140 for failing to lower their high beam headlights when another car is approaching.
https://gkspatios.com.au/using-high-beam-headlights/
$270 Traffic Fine for Improper High Beam Headlight Usage
Cited text: For one, drivers coming from the opposite side can get blinded momentarily and, thus, less time shakes to react, increasing the chances of a crash. Al...
Excerpt: Drivers coming from the opposite side can get blinded momentarily, increasing the chances of a crash.
https://iwrn2025.com.au/fine-for-improper-high-beam-headlight/
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