How to turn on Secondary Light (High Beam) and Beacon on ETS2

When driving a truck in Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2), there are many small features that can make the experience feel much more realistic. One of them is the ability to use the truck's Secondary Light (High Beam) and Beacon. If you've seen other trucks using these lights but couldn't figure out how to turn them on, don't worry. The controls are actually quite simple once you know where to find them.

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to turn on the High Beam Headlights and Beacon in ETS2, starting from the Settings menu and assigning your own keyboard keys. I'll also show you another method using the F4 menu if the lights don't turn on after assigning the buttons. Along the way, I'll share my experience using these lights and explain why I think they make driving at night more enjoyable. The steps in this guide are intended for modern ETS2 versions that include these lighting controls, including ETS2 1.50 and newer. It's not new technology but will add more immersion to our driving experience.

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What Are Secondary Lights and Beacon in ETS2?

Before getting into the tutorial, let's quickly understand what we're turning on.

The High Beam Headlights provide stronger illumination toward the road ahead compared with the regular headlights. They're particularly useful when you're driving through dark areas with little or no street lighting.

The Beacon is the flashing warning light installed on the truck, usually on or above the cabin. Depending on your truck and its configuration, the beacon can consist of one or more warning lights.

Both features can be controlled directly from in-game, so you don't need a complicated modification just to use them.

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Benefits of Using High Beam and Beacon Lights on Your Truck

After trying these features myself, I found that they make the driving experience noticeably more enjoyable. They may seem like small details, but ETS2 is a game where those small details can make long journeys feel more immersive.

The high beam is especially useful at night. When I'm driving on a dark road outside a city, the additional illumination makes it easier to see what's ahead. Of course, I switch it back to the normal beam when there is oncoming traffic or when the road conditions require it.

The beacon is more about the truck's appearance and realism. Turning on those flashing lights makes the truck feel more like a working commercial vehicle. I particularly enjoy using it during nighttime deliveries because the lights are visible from the mirrors and can also be seen reflecting around the truck.

For me, features like these make ETS2 more than simply driving from one location to another. Having additional controls to manage while driving makes the overall experience more engaging.

How to Turn On High Beam and Beacon in ETS2

Now let's get to the main tutorial. You can configure both functions from the same control menu.

Step 1: Open the Settings Menu

First, enter your ETS2 game and press the Esc key on your keyboard.

This will open the game's main menu. From there, select Settings to access the available game configuration options.

Step 2: Select System

Inside the Settings menu, select System. This section contains several settings related to the game's controls and general configuration.

Step 3: Open Options

Next, select Options. You'll see various settings that you can customize for your ETS2 gameplay.

Step 4: Select Keys & Buttons

Look for Keys & Buttons and open it. This is where you can assign keyboard keys or controller buttons to different truck functions.

Step 5: Find "High Beam Headlights"

Scroll through the list of available functions until you find High Beam Headlights.

Click the key assignment next to this function and press the keyboard key you want to use. Choose something that is easy to reach while driving because you'll probably use the high beam fairly often during nighttime trips.

Step 6: Find "Beacon"

While you're still in the Keys & Buttons menu, find the function called Beacon.

Assign another key to this function. I recommend using a different key from the high beam so you can control both lights independently.

Step 7: Test the Lights in the Game

Once you've assigned both keys, return to your truck and test the controls.

Press your assigned High Beam Headlights key to turn the high beam on or off. Then press the Beacon key to activate or deactivate the warning lights.

If everything is working correctly, you should immediately see the difference in the truck's lighting.

High Beam or Beacon Still Doesn't Work?

If you followed the steps above but nothing happens when you press the assigned buttons, don't worry. There is another way to control these lights directly from the game interface.

Try the F4 Lights Menu

While you're in-game, press the F4 key on your keyboard.

This opens the truck's additional settings menu like seating and wheel position and also lights. Look for the Lights settings and check the available lighting options.

From this menu, you can turn on the High Beam and Beacon directly. This is also a useful way to check whether the problem is with your key assignment or with the truck's current lighting configuration.

After enabling them through the F4 menu, return to driving and check whether the lights are now active.

Other Troubleshooting Tips

Check Your Key Assignment

Go back to Esc > Settings > System > Options > Keys & Buttons and make sure the correct buttons are assigned to High Beam Headlights and Beacon.

Try a Different Keyboard Key

If your assigned button doesn't respond, try another key. It is possible that the button is already being used by another ETS2 function.

Check Your Truck Configuration

Not every truck has exactly the same lighting equipment. If the beacon option is activated but you don't see flashing lights, check whether your current truck actually has beacon lights installed.

Check Your ETS2 Version

This guide is intended for ETS2 version 1.50 and newer, where the relevant lighting and control options are available. However, the exact lighting behavior and available equipment can vary depending on your truck model, accessories, DLC, and installed mods.

Enjoy!

Turning on the Secondary Light (High Beam) and Beacon in ETS2 is a simple thing to set up, but I think it's one of those little features that makes the game more enjoyable.

After configuring the controls myself, I found nighttime driving much more engaging. The high beam gives me additional visibility on darker roads, while the beacon adds another realistic detail to the truck. And if the assigned keys don't work immediately, the F4 Lights menu gives you another straightforward way to activate them.

So, if you've never tried these lights before, give it a shot on your next delivery. Open the Keys & Buttons menu, assign your controls, and then test them on the road. Once you've got everything working, you'll have a little more control over your truck and, at least in my experience, a more enjoyable ETS2 driving experience.

As always, if you have any question feel free to ask me in the comment box below. Enjoy!