Free independent reference with original examples. Not official exam questions or a driving assessment. Follow current provincial rules, signs and authorized directions.
Practise vehicle equipment →Attach each distance to a traffic relationship
Section 209(5) separates approaching an opposing vehicle from following a vehicle. The first relationship uses 150 metres; the second uses 60 metres. The numbers do not describe a recommended following time, a stopping distance or the length of road that a headlamp must illuminate.
The wording includes following while overtaking. Preparing to pass does not create a temporary exemption from dazzling the driver ahead. Use the correct beam for the relationship that exists now, then continue monitoring as distances and the traffic arrangement change.
Source: New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act — §§207 and 209(5) ↗When lighting is required is a separate question
Section 207 requires the specified lighting at night and whenever insufficient light prevents persons and vehicles from being clearly discerned at 150 metres. That visibility figure has a different purpose from the oncoming high-beam distance, even though both use the same number.
A car stopped on the highway is also covered by the high-beam prohibition in section 209(5)(c) during the relevant times. Stopping does not make glare harmless. This article addresses selected ordinary-car situations, not every equipment specification or occupational lighting exception in the Act.
Source: New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act — §§207 and 209(5) ↗Use distance and direction together
Original learning cases
At night, an oncoming car is 120 metres away. That is inside the 150-metre boundary, so high beam is not the permitted choice.
A driver follows another car at 45 metres while waiting to overtake. The passing plan does not remove the 60-metre following restriction.
A vehicle is parked on the highway at night with high beams lit. No moving approach is needed for the selected stopped-vehicle prohibition to matter.
Do not swap provincial headlight figures
Some neighbouring handbooks use other headlight distances. A correct answer for another jurisdiction can be wrong in a New Brunswick scenario. Identify NB, the direction of the other vehicle and whether lighting is required before recalling the number.
The free equipment and night-driving topics provide further explanations. Low-beam selection does not by itself establish a safe speed in fog or darkness; use the separate visibility reference for that decision. These are independent study materials, not official questions or an equipment inspection.
Source: New Brunswick Motor Vehicle Act — §§207 and 209(5) ↗