Lighting and Optical Signaling
Visibility and Lighting: Keys for your Safety and the Exam
The first condition for safe driving is that the vehicle is built and maintained to ensure a sufficient field of vision to all sides. Furthermore, seeing and being seen is fundamental, especially at night or in bad weather.
In this article, we review two vital blocks for your theory exam: visibility elements and lighting devices.
1. Visibility and Transparent Elements
To ensure a clear and safe image, the windows must not deform objects and must be kept clean.
The Windshield and Rear Moving Window
- Function: Protect against atmospheric phenomena and allow vision. They must be made of safety glass.
- Breakage: If the windshield breaks (e.g., by gravel), you must reduce speed and increase the safety distance.
- Cleaning: Never activate the windshield wiper with dry glass (it would scratch it and cause glare). The blades must be replaced when the rubber is damaged or vibrates.
Tinted Windows and Films
Adhesive films or curtains can be used on rear windows, but only if the vehicle has two exterior rearview mirrors (left and right).
2. Rearview Mirrors
Without mirrors, it would be impossible to drive safely. Their function is to cover blind spots, although they cannot eliminate them completely.
Classification and Obligation
| Mirror Type | Is it Mandatory in Cards? | Function and Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Interior (Class I) | YES | Must allow seeing 60 meters behind and 20 meters wide. |
| Left Exterior (Class III) | YES | Always mandatory. |
| Right Exterior (Class III) | NO (Generally) | Only mandatory if the interior mirror does not meet required visibility or is blocked (e.g., curtains, load). |
How to adjust mirrors
Adjustment must be done with the vehicle immobilized and on flat ground:
- Interior: Oriented with the right hand until framing the rear window.
- Left Exterior: Open until seeing the road and the indispensable minimum of the vehicle side.
Key Fact: Motor vehicles must carry at least the mandatory mirrors and not more than the maximum allowed.
3. Lighting Devices (See and Be Seen)
The lighting system has a dual purpose: allow the driver to see the road and allow the vehicle to be seen by others.
Golden Rule: Front lights are white and rear lights red (except exceptions like reversing).
Lights to SEE (Illuminate the road)
| Light | Main Use | Important Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| High Beam (Main Beam) | Interurban roads at more than 40 km/h insufficiently lit. | Prohibited in urban areas and when it might dazzle other users. |
| Low Beam (Dipped Beam) | Urban roads, lit interurban roads, tunnels, reversible lanes, and adverse conditions. | Mandatory if you cannot use high beam due to glare. |
| Front Fog | Optional. Heavy rain, snow, fog, dust clouds. | Can be used alone or with dipped/main beam. |
Lights to BE SEEN (Position and Signaling)
- Position: White front, red rear. Indicates presence and width. Does not illuminate, so you never drive with only position (must be accompanied by dipped or main beam).
- Clearance (Gálibo): Mandatory for vehicles more than 2.10 meters wide.
- Reversing: One or two white lights.
The Rear Fog Light: Watch out in the exam!
Unlike the front one (which is optional), the Rear Fog Light is MANDATORY in very unfavorable conditions:
- Thick fog.
- Very intense rain.
- Heavy snowfall.
Note: It is forbidden to use it if conditions are not severe, as it greatly dazzles drivers behind.
4. Optical Signaling and Warnings
In addition to illuminating, we use lights to communicate:
- Indicators: Amber color. Must be used to indicate lateral displacements.
- Hazard Warning Light: Simultaneous operation of all indicators. Used to signal danger, broken-down vehicle, or emergency services.
- Flashes: Alternative use of high and low beam (flashes) is allowed to avoid accidents or warn of overtaking, both in urban areas and outside.
Summary of Special Situations
- Tunnels: Lighting always mandatory (minimum position + dipped).
- Reversible / Additional Lane: Mandatory to keep the low beam (dipped beam) on both day and night.
- Immobilization on the carriageway (Night): You must leave the position lights on.