When we were just learning to drive, our parents likely told us that it's illegal to drive with interior lights on. We may have questioned it and asked for a good reason, but in the end, we probably lost the argument. To this day, many of us are quick to turn off the interior car lights while on the road, simply because it's what we were taught.
But why? Did our parents ever give us a solid reason? Some claimed it caused limited vision of the road, while others said it was outright illegal. The former is actually true, but the latter is not usually the case, although there are some exceptions depending on the state you're driving in.
So, is it illegal or not?
Yes, believe it or not, driving with interior lights on is, in fact, legal in most states. While this may come as a surprise, it's important to note that it's not the safest practice.
Parents with young drivers often tell this age-old myth because they want to keep their families safe, especially at night. Driving with interior lights on while actively driving can be hazardous. The light from the dome-light may affect your field of vision and, worse, it can reflect off your windshield, impairing your ability to see the road ahead.
Most of the time, the person in the passenger seat will switch on an overhead light or dome light. They may need it to locate their phone charger that fell amid the seat cracks, fish for the last few French fries at the bottom of the bag, or help navigate a map on a road trip (yes, it still happens!). It's in these moments that the situation becomes distracting for the driver. Although it doesn't affect the passenger at all, they may not realize the potential danger it poses.
If this distraction occurs while a police officer is nearby, they can pull you over. However, it's not because it's illegal to drive with interior lights on. Instead, using the light to find something in your car can be considered a form of distracted driving.
Interior lights: Another type of distracted driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is defined as "any activity that diverts attention from driving." This includes activities such as texting or talking on your phone, eating, talking to passengers, changing the stereo or navigation system, and more. Many of these activities at night require the use of your dome light. So while it's not illegal to drive with interior lights on, it is distracting and can lead to either a ticket or an accident.
In cities like Los Angeles, it's not illegal to drive with interior lights on. However, if you're using them for activities like applying makeup or glancing at something in your hands, you can be cited for "unsafe speed for conditions." This is another form of distracted driving that suggests you were engaging in an activity that distracted you from the road. If an officer sees your car pass by and notices your dome light on, they can pull you over under the pretense that you were using the interior lights for something distracting, and thus cite you for unsafe speed.
While most states in the U.S. have no laws prohibiting drivers from using their interior lights while traveling, it's clear that there are consequences to be aware of. If you plan on using your overhead lights, it's best to pull over first. Alternatively, if your passenger insists on turning on the interior lights to find that final fry in the bag, encourage them to do so in the dark. After all, your focus should be on the road ahead and ensuring everyone's safety.