Driver's License Test Prep
Oregon Practice Adverse Conditions

When must you turn on your headlights in Oregon?

  1. A.
    Only at night.
  2. B.
    From sunset to sunrise, and in low visibility. Correct
  3. C.
    Only when it is raining or snowing.
  4. D.
    Only when visibility drops below 500 feet.
The Why

The answer is "From sunset to sunrise, and in low visibility."

Oregon requires headlights from sunset to sunrise, and they must also be on any time conditions make it difficult to see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead, such as in fog, heavy rain, or snow. Both triggers are objective, and either one is enough to require headlights. Driving at night or in bad weather with only the parking lights on is illegal.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

A. Only at night.

Headlights are also required whenever conditions make it difficult to see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead, regardless of time of day. Misreading: Treats night as the only trigger and ignores the low-visibility rule that applies at any time of day.

C. Only when it is raining or snowing.

The sunset-to-sunrise requirement applies even on a clear night, regardless of the weather. Misreading: Treats poor weather as the only trigger and ignores the sunset-to-sunrise rule that applies regardless of conditions.

D. Only when visibility drops below 500 feet.

The manual sets the visibility threshold at 1,000 feet, not 500, and also requires headlights from sunset to sunrise. Misreading: Uses the wrong visibility threshold; the manual specifies 1,000 feet, not 500.

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Adverse Conditions in Oregon. Source: Oregon Driver Manual, "Safe & Responsible Driving, Hazardous Conditions, Using Lights," p.76..

More from this topic

Related Oregon questions

Coming soon

The Oregon book is on the way

Drop your email and we'll send the free Oregon cheat sheet now, plus a note the moment the book is available.

One email a few times a month. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.

Free study plan

Your free Oregon study plan

A short run of study emails for the Oregon DMV test: what to drill, the rules people trip on, and a final pre-test checklist. The one-page cheat sheet is free to grab either way.

One email a few times a month. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.