Is It Illegal To Drive With Interior Car Lights On?
Many Texans believe driving with the interior car lights on is illegal. However, that is merely a myth. The Texas Transportation Code does not make it illegal to drive with your interior lights on in Texas. However, driving with your interior car lights on could create a dangerous situation that could increase the risk of being involved in a car accident.
Can I Get Pulled Over for Riding With the Interior Car Lights on in Texas?
It is unlikely you will be pulled over for driving with the interior car lights on in Texas. However, an officer could pull you over if they believe you are doing something that could impair your driving ability. Driving with the interior lights on will not result in a traffic ticket, but dangerous driving behavior could result in a warning.
Why Can It Be Dangerous To Drive With Interior Car Lights On?
Although it is not illegal to drive with your interior car lights on in Texas, it can be dangerous. Driving with your car lights on inside the vehicle could:
- Reduce visibility: Turning on interior car lights at night can create a glare that reduces your ability to see things outside the vehicle. Therefore, you may not be able to see pedestrians, traffic signs, objects, and other vehicles when you have the interior lights on. Transitioning between darkness and bright interior lights could increase night blindness, which may negatively impact your vision and reaction time.
- Be a distraction: Distracted driving is among the most common causes of traffic accidents. Bright lights inside the vehicle at night can take your attention away from driving. It can reduce your concentration on the road, which may increase the risk of causing a car accident.
- Create glare on windows: The interior lights inside a car can create a glare on windows at night. The glare could reduce the visibility of the road and surroundings. A glare on your window could also affect other drivers on the road.
In conclusion, while it’s not illegal to drive with your interior lights on in Texas, it is certainly a risky practice.
Increasing Safety While Driving at Night in Fort Worth, TX
Keeping your car’s interior lights off while driving at night is one way to increase safety and avoid accidents. Other tips for safe night driving include:
- Do not drive when you are drowsy or tired. This tip applies during all driving hours, especially at night when your body may be more accustomed to sleeping than driving. It could increase the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Dim the dashboard lights to reduce glare while driving at night. However, ensure the lights are bright enough to monitor your speed and vehicle functions.
- Pull over to a safe location if you need to turn on the interior lights for over a minute or two.
- Always remain alert while driving at night and focus on the road ahead of you.
- Avoid driving on two-lane roads at night. The glare caused by the lights of oncoming vehicles can be blinding. Multi-lane roads can minimize the effect because you can drive in the rightmost lane.
- Keep your windows and windshield clean to increase visibility. Don’t forget to clean mirrors when you clean your windows.
- Ensure your headlights are clean and adjusted correctly for maximum nighttime visibility.
- Reduce driving speed at night to allow more time to react to dangerous situations.
- Use high-beam headlights when appropriate to increase visibility at night.
Safe driving behaviors are essential whenever you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, because night driving increases specific risks, it is crucial to be proactive and practice safe driving skills at night.
Can Driving With the Interior Car Lights on Impact a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault standard for car accident claims, meaning your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you are barred from receiving any compensation. However, if you are less than 51% at fault, your damages will be reduced accordingly.
For example, if you are awarded $1 million but found to be 40% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $600,000. Insurance companies may argue that factors like interior lights causing glare contributed to the accident, which could affect the outcome. It’s important to understand your rights and consult with a personal injury lawyer to protect your interests.
Driving With the Interior Car Lights on Could Be Dangerous
Driving with your interior lights on may not be illegal, but it is a safety hazard. Avoid driving behaviors that could increase your risk of a car accident. Even though you may not be to blame for causing a car crash, the consequences can be devastating. If you are injured in a car crash, contact a Fort Worth car accident lawyer for a free consultation.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Fort Worth for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 839-3143
