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California Headlight Laws
Did you know California has specific headlight laws aimed at reducing the risk of car accidents at night or during inclement weather? As a driver, you need to be aware of the specific times and conditions that require you to use your headlights.
To learn more about California headlight laws, continue reading our blog. If you were in an accident with a driver who did not have their headlights on, contact our California car accident lawyer for more information.
What Are California’s Headlight Laws?
Not all cars have automatic headlights, especially older models. California law requires drivers to turn on their headlights under the following conditions:
- During inclement weather, such as rain, mist, snow, fog, or any time visibility is significantly reduced.
- Thirty minutes after sunset until thirty minutes before sunrise.
- When using windshield wipers continuously due to weather conditions.
All vehicles, except motorcycles, must have at least two headlights—one on each side of the front end. Motorcycles must be equipped with at least one headlight that is in good working condition at all times.
California law does not require daytime running lights (DRLs), but if equipped, they must meet federal standards. Certain stretches of California roads, usually mountain roads or crash-prone highways, require daytime headlight use as mandated by the California Highway Patrol.
California Vehicle Code 25950
California Vehicle Code section 25950 outlines the laws for headlight installation as follows:
Headlight Installation:
- Vehicle headlights must be mounted between 22 and 54 inches from the ground level.
Headlight Color:
- Front headlights are legally required to emit light in the white or yellow color spectrum.
Aftermarket Headlights:
- Purchasing and installing aftermarket headlights is legal as long as they meet the height, color, and brightness requirements set by California headlight law.
High-Intensity Headlights:
- High-intensity (HID) headlights are permitted as long as they:
- Emit white light
- Are equipped with amber-colored turn signals
- Have a brightness level that does not exceed 2,513 lumens.
Rules on High Beams and Fog Lights
In California, high beams (also known as brights) are legal, but only under certain circumstances, such as when there are no other vehicles around.
Drivers must switch from high to low beams when other vehicles are around, including approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet or following a vehicle within 300 feet. This law prevents high-beam headlights from being projected into the eyes of an oncoming driver, thus blinding the driver.
Fog lights, or fog lamps, are legal in California as long as they are mounted to the front of the vehicle, between 12 and 30 inches from the ground. Fog lights cannot substitute for headlamps and cannot be more than two in number.
Safe Driving Tips at Night
Driving at night is inherently more dangerous than driving during the day due to decreased visibility, tired drivers, and an increased risk of impaired drivers on the road. Here are some essential tips to stay safe while driving after dark:
- Use headlights properly: Make sure to use your headlights from dusk until dawn. Switch to low beams when another car approaches to prevent blinding oncoming drivers.
- Avoid distractions: Keep your attention fully on the road, as hazards can be harder to spot at night.
- Reduce speed: Lower your speed to account for limited visibility and possible unexpected obstacles.
- Stay alert for fatigue: Fatigue is common at night. Take breaks if you’re feeling drowsy to prevent falling asleep at the wheel.
- Watch for pedestrians and animals: Be extra cautious, as these can be harder to spot at night, especially in poorly lit areas.
With Daylight Savings Time ending this year on November 3rd, it will start getting darker much earlier. Be cautious, slow your speed, and make sure your headlights are on!
Liability in Accidents Involving Headlights
Especially in dark, nighttime conditions, all motor vehicle drivers must have their headlights on. A driver who is caught violating California’s headlight statutes may likely be found liable to pay for resulting accident-related injuries.
California follows the comparative negligence rule, which considers the driver’s potential negligence and how it contributed to the crash. Drivers who fail to turn on their headlights in inclement weather or violate another headlight statute can be presumed negligent.
However, in many motor vehicle accidents, both drivers hold a degree of liability. While one driver may not be using their headlights, the other driver could be speeding over the limit. In this case, both drivers could be held liable. It is best to consult with an experienced attorney if liability is disputed.
In Need of a Car Accident Expert?
Car accidents, especially at night or in low light conditions, can be particularly dangerous and happen unexpectedly. If you sustained injuries in a nighttime car accident with a driver without headlights on, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation.
The Law Offices of Daniel Kim can help you recover what is rightfully yours in a car accident claim filed against the negligent party. Call our California law office for a free consultation at (800) 719-9779 or by filling out this online form.
