Jason Stephens | June 23, 2025 | Car Accidents
Many drivers in Texas have heard the rumor: turning on your dome light while driving is illegal. But is that actually true? The answer is no, there’s no law in Texas that directly bans the use of interior car lights while a vehicle is in motion. However, that doesn’t mean you should leave them on.
Driving with interior lights on isn’t against the law, but it could still draw unwanted attention from police officers. It may also make it harder for you to see the road, which could increase your risk of getting into a car accident.
Texas Law on Interior Car Lights
There is no specific Texas statute that says you can’t drive with your dome light or other interior lights on. So technically, it’s not illegal. Still, police officers have the right to stop a vehicle if they believe the driver is distracted or driving in an unsafe manner.
While having an interior light on isn’t a traffic offense by itself, it could be used as a factor in a stop if it contributes to dangerous driving. For example, if the light causes glare on your windshield or reflects off mirrors, an officer may decide it’s creating a hazard.
In short, the light itself isn’t banned, but the conditions it creates could be considered unsafe under Texas traffic law.
How Interior Lights Can Affect Your Driving
Even if it’s not technically illegal, driving with your interior lights on can still be a bad idea in certain situations. The extra light inside your car might reduce your ability to see clearly outside, especially at night.
Possible safety concerns include:
- Glare that makes it harder to see through the windshield
- Bright lights causing distraction or eye strain
- Difficulty spotting pedestrians, road hazards, or signs
- Reflective surfaces like windows or rearview mirrors becoming harder to use
These factors can impair your vision and judgment while driving. In some cases, if an officer believes the light played a role in a crash or traffic violation, it could factor into a citation or legal claim.
Can Police Pull You Over for It?
In Texas, a police officer can’t legally stop you just because your interior light is on. However, if your driving is affected, they may have a reason to pull you over. Once you’re stopped, any other issues (like expired tags, a broken tail light, or signs of impairment) could turn a minor concern into a bigger problem.
That’s why many officers advise against using interior lights while driving. It’s not that it’s unlawful; it’s that it could create conditions that lead to something more serious.
Tips for Staying Safe on the Road
If you need to turn on your interior lights briefly, such as to check a map, grab something, or help a passenger, it’s usually fine. Just be careful about how and when you do it.
Here are a few tips to reduce your risk:
- Keep interior lights off while driving unless absolutely necessary
- If you need to use them, pull over safely when possible
- Dim dashboard lights to reduce distraction at night
- Remind children in the back seat not to turn on dome lights while the car is moving
Taking these simple steps can help keep your visibility clear and prevent unnecessary police stops.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth and Weatherford car accident lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Weatherford Office
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000
