10 of 12 Most Asked About Questions

10. FOLLOWING/HEADLIGHT DISTANCES
The laws for safe following and headlight distances exist with safety in mind. Here’s what you need to know: Safe following distance A safe following distance depends on your speed, driving conditions and the type of vehicle you are driving. In good conditions, you should drive at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. To determine the two seconds – watch the vehicle in front as it passes a landmark, such as a tree, sign, power pole or overpass. As it passes the landmark, start counting ‘one thousand and one, one thousand and two’ (this takes about two seconds). If you pass the same landmark before you finish counting to two seconds, you’re too close. It is important to increase your following distance to at least 3 – 4 seconds if the weather or road conditions are poor, if you’re driving a heavy vehicle or towing a trailer. Headlight distance High beam headlights are not permitted: • if you’re driving less than 200m behind a vehicle; • if an oncoming vehicle is less than 200m away. In foggy conditions: • drive slowly; • turn on windshield wipers; • don’t use high beam headlights. Fog lights can be used in foggy conditions, dust storms or heavy rain. You are not permitted to drive with both headlights and fog lights on at the same time.

Penalties Failing to follow a vehicle at a safe distance = 2 demerit points and $200 fine. Inappropriate use of headlights/fog lights = 1 demerit point and $100 fine.

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