The use of headed bars as opposed to standard 90- or 180-degree hooked bars in beam ends, beam-column joints or other steel congested areas for anchorage and bond has become more favorable due to the fact that steel congestion is often created by large bend diameters or crossties. This research mainly focuses on evaluating the code provisions regarding the use of headed bars. Nine simply supported rectangular concrete beams with headed longitudinal reinforcement were tested under a four-point monotonic loading system. The design clear spacing, which varies from 1.5 to 4.25 times the bar diameter, was the only parameter for the experimental investigation. The test results showed that the closely-spaced headed bars were capable of developing to full yield strength without any severe brittle concrete breakout cone or pullout failure. Bond along the bar was not sufficient due to the early loss of concrete integrity. However, the headed bars were effective for anchorage with no excessive moment capacity reduction. This implies that the clear spacing of about 2 times the bar diameter for headed bars may be reasonable to ensure the development of specified yield strength of headed bars and corresponding member design strength.