Driver's License Test Prep
Oregon Practice Adverse Conditions

When must you turn on your headlights in Oregon?

  1. A.
    From sunset to sunrise, and in low visibility. Correct
  2. B.
    Only at night.
  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 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 alone is enough. Driving at night or in bad weather with only parking lights on is illegal. D swaps the 1,000-foot threshold for 500, a figure the manual never uses.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

B. 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. This answer 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. This answer 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. This answer 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..

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