Can you turn on the lights in the car while driving? Simply explained

Many drivers wonder whether or not they are allowed to switch on their car lights while driving. The legal situation is clear

Turning on the lights in the car while driving: Legal and problematic

You can switch on the interior lighting of a vehicle as you wish while driving. It is not forbidden to use the lights while driving.

• However, using the interior lighting can lead to dangerous situations. For example, you can dazzle other drivers or yourself.

• In this case, you may be in breach of the Road Traffic Act, in particular Section 1 (2) and Section 23 (1) of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). As a driver, you must take the necessary care in road traffic

• You must ensure that you do not inconvenience, restrict or endanger other drivers. In addition, you must not obstruct your own view as a driver, which can easily happen due to the vehicle interior lighting

• If your visibility is impaired due to the lights being switched on and this results in an accident, you are responsible for this. In this case, you must expect a fine

Turning on lights in the car while driving: Possible fines

Fines for having your interior light on while driving depend on the severity of the offense.

• If you cause a nuisance to other road users by using your lights or restrict your own visibility, you must expect a fine of ten euros. If you obstruct others, the fine doubles to 20 euros.

• If you endanger another driver by suddenly flashing your lights, you will have to pay a fine of 30 euros. This is the case, for example, if a driver is startled and reflexively turns a corner.

• If you injure other road users or damage the vehicle, the fine increases to 35 euros.

• If an accident occurs, you are probably partly to blame because the lights are switched on. The interior lighting will be included in the police investigation.