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Low Visibility

Driving at night or in poor weather is more dangerous because visibility is reduced and roads may be slippery. You must take extra care, adjust your speed, and keep your lights and windows in proper working order.

  • You must use headlights between sunset and sunrise, and whenever visibility is reduced by rain, fog, or other conditions. [1]
  • You must dip headlights when approaching another road user or when following a vehicle closely. [2]
  • You must keep your windscreen, windows, and mirrors clear. Driving with restricted vision can be prosecuted as careless driving. [4]
  • You must not use fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. Using them in clear conditions can dazzle other drivers. [3]

Good Practice

These are steps you should take to stay safe.

Night Driving

  • Use full beam wisely: On unlit roads at night, use full beam when safe. Dip headlights when another vehicle is near.
  • Avoid glare: If dazzled by oncoming headlights, look slightly to the left edge of the road until your eyes adjust.
  • See and be seen: Keep all lights clean and working. Pedestrians, cyclists, and animals are harder to spot after dark. See also Vulnerable Users.
  • Fatigue: Driving tired is dangerous. Stop and rest if you feel drowsy.

Rain and Fog

  • Increase following distance: Double the gap you normally leave in rain or on wet roads. See Speed.
  • Reduce speed: Drive more slowly and smoothly. Avoid harsh braking or acceleration.
  • Keep windows clear: Use wipers, demisters, and air conditioning to prevent misting.
  • Aquaplaning: If tyres lose contact with the road in heavy rain, ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking.
  • After water: If you drive through deep water, press the brakes lightly afterwards to dry them.
  • Fog: Use low beam or fog lights (if fitted), not high beam — full beam reflects off fog and makes visibility worse.

Special Considerations

  • In severe storms or hurricanes, you must follow police instructions and avoid unnecessary travel.
  • On poorly lit Family Island roads, animals may be on the carriageway. Slow down and use high beam when safe. See Animals.
  • In heavy rain, roadside flooding may hide potholes or debris — pass through slowly and with care.
  • Dusk and dawn: Even before sunset or sunrise, light may be poor. Switch headlights on early to ensure you are seen.
  • Sun glare: Low sun can dazzle. Keep your windscreen clean, use visors, and wear sunglasses if necessary.
  • Smoke, dust, or haze: During brush fires, construction, or Sahara dust haze, visibility can drop sharply. Slow down and use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you.

Exam Pointers

  • When must you use headlights? → Between sunset and sunrise, and when visibility is poor.
  • When must you dip headlights? → When approaching oncoming traffic or following another vehicle closely.
  • When can you use fog lights? → Only when visibility is seriously reduced.
  • How should you drive in heavy rain or fog? → Slow down, increase following distance, and keep windows clear.
  • What should you do if you start aquaplaning? → Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need headlights during the day if it is raining?
Yes. If visibility is reduced by rain, fog, or other conditions, you must use headlights, even in daytime. [1]
When must I dip my headlights?
You must dip headlights when approaching oncoming vehicles or when following another vehicle closely. [2]
Can I use fog lights at night when it isn’t foggy?
No. Fog lights must only be used when visibility is seriously reduced. Otherwise they dazzle other drivers. [3]
What should I do if my car starts aquaplaning?
Ease off the accelerator, keep the steering steady, and avoid sudden braking until the tyres regain contact with the road.
What should I do if my windows mist up?
Use your windscreen wipers, demisters, or air conditioning to keep windows clear. Driving with restricted vision can be prosecuted as careless driving. [4]
How should I drive if the sun is low and dazzling me?
Use sun visors, wear sunglasses if needed, and slow down. Keep your windscreen clean to reduce glare.
What should I do if there is smoke or dust on the road?
Slow down, keep extra distance, and use dipped headlights so other drivers can see you.
  1. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 47 — Requires lights to be used between sunset and sunrise, and at times of poor visibility. ↩
  2. Bahamas Highway Code, Section 10 — Drivers **must** dip headlights when approaching oncoming vehicles or when following another vehicle. ↩
  3. Bahamas Highway Code, Section 10 — Fog lights **must** only be used when visibility is seriously reduced. ↩
  4. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 46 — Driving with poor control or restricted vision can be considered careless driving. ↩
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