How far should dipped headlights of a typical car enable the driver to see at night?

Dipped headlights, also known as low beam headlights, are designed to provide sufficient illumination for nighttime driving without causing glare to oncoming traffic. Generally, dipped headlights will allow a driver to see approximately 30 metres ahead. This distance strikes a balance, enabling drivers to perceive road markings, obstacles, and other vehicles while ensuring that brightness does not compromise the visibility of other road users.

While other distances may seem plausible, they do not reflect the standard capabilities of dipped headlights. For instance, a distance of 15 metres would be insufficient for safe nighttime driving, resulting in poor visibility and increased risk of accidents. Likewise, the distances of 45 metres and 60 metres exceed the effective range of dipped headlights, which are meant for close proximity illumination rather than long-range visibility.