Is it illegal to drive with interior lights on?

A recent trend on social media has nostalgically transported me back to my childhood, a time when I was convinced that turning on the interior lights of a car was akin to breaking the law. It turns out after asking around, that I wasn't alone in this belief.

Lately, a wave of TikTok videos has been spotlighting this misconception for the new generation as well.

These videos evoke memories of my own experiences, like the times my father would descend into a frenzy whenever I flicked on the cabin lights to shed some light on my copy of "Twilight," a book I deemed essential reading during our drives to camping trips.

As we mature and begin to scrutinise the tales of our youth — pondering whether our beloved dog truly was sent to a farm upon losing his sight, or if flipping on the car's interior lights while driving was genuinely against the law — we can shed light on one of those mysteries. Regrettably, I must be the bearer of sobering news regarding the other: your dog, indeed, passed away.

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Is it illegal to drive with interior lights on at night?

Having the interior car lights on while driving is not, in itself, illegal. However, as with many aspects of driving, the situation isn't entirely black or white.

There are nuances to using car lights that could, in certain scenarios, lead to you being pulled over by law enforcement.

Because, in fact, the laws in question pertain to driving while distracted or without a clear view.

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It's also important to recognise that not all interior lights have the same impact.

The smaller, less intrusive lights known as "map lights," typically don't illuminate the car's interior significantly. These are usually the ones found on or near the sun visor, used to illuminate objects nearby like, well, a map. These lights have a subdued glow that is unlikely to cause issues.

The main overhead light, sometimes known as a dome light — the one that automatically turns on when a door is opened — can create problems. Its brighter illumination can cause a glare effect on the windshield, potentially obstructing the driver's vision. This is where the legal grey areas emerge.

Visibility is obviously key to safe driving, and anything that compromises a driver's ability to see clearly is a concern for law enforcement.

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If a police officer observes your vehicle lit up brightly enough and believes that it compromises your visibility or control, you could be pulled over.

Thus, you could indeed be ticketed for distracted driving or for driving with an obscured vision, based on the judgment of the officer who spots you.

To sum it up, while flipping on the interior light for a quick check — perhaps to confirm you've picked up the right book in the Twilight series is generally fine — it's best to avoid using interior lights while the vehicle is in motion.

It’s not just about avoiding fines; it's about maintaining optimal visibility and safety. So, while it might not be the crime of the century our parents led us to believe, it's still a practice best avoided.