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The headlight law is one of the most feared by drivers. It imposes fines of R$130,16 and 4 points on the license for those who do not comply with it.
A traffic law which can turn a simple trip into a nightmare for many drivers still causes great confusion, even after years of being in force.
The topic may seem trivial, but it can generate fines, points on your license and, of course, financial losses for those who do not follow the rules correctly.
At the heart of this controversy is the mandatory use of low beam headlights on certain highways, a rule that affects thousands of drivers of vehicles such as Volkswagen, Toyota and Chevrolet.
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But do you know exactly how this legislation works? Throughout the text, we will clarify all the details so that you do not run the risk of being caught by surprise.
Law 14.071/2020, which came into force in April 2021, brought significant changes to traffic regulations, especially with regard to the use of headlights on highways.
According to the new regulations, vehicles that do not have DRL (daytime running lights) must use low beam on single-lane highways located outside urban areas, even during the day..
This means that on many stretches of road, drivers must keep their lights on, regardless of visibility conditions.
Eduardo Alves, traffic instructor at the Pernambuco State Traffic Department (Detran-PE), explains that “a single-lane highway is one with one lane in each direction, and is outside the urban perimeter.”.
Therefore, it is clear that the rule does not apply to highways that have dual lanes, as is the case with major roads in São Paulo, including Bandeirantes, Imigrantes and Dutra, where the use of low beam headlights is not mandatory during the day.
Fines that weigh heavily on your pocket
Anyone who disregards the legislation not only puts their safety at risk, but is also subject to financial and administrative penalties..
O Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) provides for a fine of R$130,16 for drivers who do not keep their headlights on when required by law, in addition to a medium infraction that results in four points on the National Driver's License (CNH).
The punishment is severe, but the objective is clear: increase vehicle visibility and reduce road accidents, especially in high-risk areas, as on single-lane highways.
Even so, Even though the requirement has been in force for a few years, many drivers are still not familiar with the nuances of this law., especially those who drive on different types of highways.
Low beam or daytime running light?
With the advancement of technology, most modern vehicles already leave the factory with DRL (daytime running lights), which offers a practical solution for complying with the law.
Since 2023, the installation of this device has been mandatory in all new vehicles.
Therefore, for those who own newer cars, the concern about using low beam headlights during the day on single-lane highways is no longer as relevant..
However, at night, even vehicles equipped with DRL must use low beam, as determined by law.
The change is especially impactful for drivers of older vehicles or models without DRLs, who still need to adapt to the new reality.
For these drivers, using headlights correctly can be the difference between a smooth journey or accumulating fines and points on their driver's license..
Doubts still persist
Even with the rules clearly established, many doubts persist among drivers.
The use of headlights on highways continues to be a topic that generates discussions and uncertainties.
Some people question the need to keep their low beam headlights on in broad daylight, especially on well-lit highways or with good visibility.
However, experts and traffic authorities argue that the measure aims exclusively to increase road safety, especially in places where accidents are more common due to the lack of adequate visibility.
The requirement for headlights to be on on single-lane highways aims to reduce the number of head-on collisions, which tend to be more serious and fatal..
Law 14.071/2020 was created to reinforce traffic safety, even though, for many drivers, it is seen as an unnecessary requirement.
However, By ensuring greater visibility of vehicles on the roads, this standard proves essential to prevent accidents and save lives.
Therefore, being aware of the rules and respecting the provisions of the Brazilian Traffic Code is crucial to avoid fines and maintain everyone's safety on the highways.
Given this information, the question remains: are you really paying attention to the correct use of headlights on your vehicle? And how can Brazil continue to improve its traffic laws to ensure greater road safety?
