As far as High Beams v. Driving Lights, I would say, you say Tomato and I say
Tomato. (You have to pronounce "tomato" differently the first and second time
in order for this last sentence to work.)

And by that I mean, I may be wrong, but...

What is technically the difference in the definition of "high beam" vs
"driving light"? If the assumption is that the moniker "driving light" makes the
light OK for use in areas with traffic I would say poppycock. I don't see how or
where lights in addition to DOT low beams could not negatively impact other
drivers.

And now, as if I were itching for a fight, I'd add anyone who drives in
traffic with anything other than their DOT approved low beams is something of a
rube. (Well maybe not "DOT" approved low beams--but low beams at least.)

So call them driving lights or high beams or fog lights or whatever (and I
agree that these are different animals) but if you're in an urban area with
traffic and you're using any of the three you're telegraphing to the world I am a
selfish rube. (foggy condition would justify using fog lights--so in this
case, not a rube, more of a forward thinking truth seeker.)

I've heard the arguments about fog lights having that low wide beam not
interfering with other drivers. Poppycock, I say. (that's twice I've said it)
First of all the maroons who drive with their fog lights on on a clear night are
just the kind of maroons that have adjusted those foggers by smashing a curb so
now they blind every on-coming driver and all those in front who have rear
view mirrors. Second, even if the lights are adjusted properly, real world
conditions like speed bumps, divits, hills, pot holes, convex roadways, etc. offer
ample opportunities for those foggers to blind just about anyone in the area.
And then there's the high profile vehicles like the EXCURSIONs or many SUVs
where the foggers are mounted at the height of a sedans windshield, give or take.

In other news, back in the day and back East my family had a Volvo with
factory fog lights. In order to pass the state inspection the fog lights had to be
wired so they would turn off when the high beams were on. That is to say if
you had on the foggers and you clicked on the high beams the fogger would turn
off. I don't know if this is still the law anywhere.

I will add in California, which is a state without a plan and in the few
places where it has a plan it is a bad one, there is no state safety inspection
required for vehicles. Your vehicle must pass a smog test, but no one will ever
check your brakes or light adjustment etc. As a result I would say at least
25% of the vehicles in this area have headlights that are annoyingly and
dangerously out of alignment. Makes me wonder about the state of the brakes.

I guess I got off track. But is there some technical difference between
driving lights v. high beams?

Oh, and my response was to FRONTLEFTSPEAKER's post. Kim's message hadn't
posted yet at that time.

I hope that clears something up, or starts something up. ;)

Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA

In a message dated 12/19/2006 9:59:32 PM Pacific Standard Time,
crescentbeachguitar@GMAIL.COM writes:
Jeff, why don't you read Chris' first post again.  He clearly describes the
small inner lights as not high beams. They are and this is what Kim is
referring to.  :)