Virginia · Handbook chapter 8 · 4 min read

Chapter 8: Night, weather and dangerous driving

Virginia headlight laws, high and low beams, fog, rain, snow and ice, and the dangers of aggressive, distracted and drowsy driving, including the hand-held phone ban.

Why this chapter matters

The biggest single cause of crashes is failing to identify a risk. Darkness, weather and a distracted or tired mind all make risks harder to spot. Virginia has firm headlight and phone laws, and both come up on the exam.

Headlights

• Use headlights from sunset to sunrise, and turn them on as soon as light starts to fade.
• Use them whenever rain, fog, snow or sleet cuts visibility to 500 feet, and whenever your wipers are on because of bad weather.
• Headlights in the daytime make you easier to see.

High and low beams

• Use low beams in cities and towns, except on unlit streets.
• Dim to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet, and when following within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead.
• If an oncoming driver keeps their high beams on, look toward the side of the road, glancing ahead to track the other car. Do not turn on your own high beams in return.

Hazardous conditions

When visibility drops or the road is wet, snowy or icy, your first response is to slow down. Double your following distance and turn on your headlights.

• Fog: use low beams, since high beams reflect back at you, and follow the road edge markings. Even light fog makes distances hard to judge.
• Rain: use low beams. Roads are most slippery in the first half hour as oil mixes with water. Avoid ponded water, which can cause hydroplaning.
• Snow: clear snow and ice from the whole car, including the roof, hood, windows, mirrors and lights. Snow tires or chains help. Packed snow behaves like ice: brake gently and slow before stops and turns.
• Slippery surfaces: ease off the gas and brake gently. You have the most control while the front tires are rolling.
• Bridges freeze first; watch shady spots too.

Aggressive driving

Virginia law defines aggressive driving as committing a traffic offense, such as failing to yield or tailgating, with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person.

• If you meet an aggressive driver, stay out of the way, avoid eye contact and do not race or challenge them.
• A conviction can bring a suspension of 10 days to six months.

Distracted driving

• Virginia law bans holding a phone or other wireless device while driving, except in a driver emergency or when lawfully parked or stopped.
• You may use a device for navigation if you are not holding it or entering information.
• Distraction causes roughly 17 percent of Virginia crashes. Young drivers are at greater risk.
• Set your controls before you drive and keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Drowsy driving

Warning signs include yawning, nodding, heavy eyelids, not remembering the last few miles, drifting and hitting rumble strips.

• Sleep well before a trip, avoid alcohol and heavy food, and check medicines.
• Stop every two hours; a nap of 10 to 20 minutes helps. Share the driving.
• Avoid driving from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Opening a window, loud music, gum or caffeine do not prevent drowsy driving.

If you see a drowsy driver, stop somewhere safe or have a passenger call police with the location, vehicle and behavior.