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When must you turn on your headlights in Florida?

A blue SUV with headlights on drives along a wet road beside a guardrail in the rain, with another car ahead showing red tail lights.

In Florida, when are vehicle lights required on a highway?

Answer choices

The answer

Lights must be on from sunset to sunrise, including the twilight hours, and during any rain, smoke, or fog.

The statute requires lighted lamps and illuminating devices as required for each class of vehicle at those times. Stop lights, turn signals and other signaling devices must be lit when they are in use.

The law says any rain, smoke, or fog, so you do not wait until visibility is very bad.

Exceptions

  • Law enforcement vehicles may operate without lamps in limited cases when needed for the officer's duties, the agency has a written policy allowing it, and it can be done safely.

Penalty

Violation is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation under chapter 318. The statute page does not list fine amounts.

Why this rule matters for safety

In rain and fog, other drivers see lit vehicles sooner than dim, gray ones. Lights also help them judge your distance.

Official sources

Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the Florida agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.

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