Is it illegal to drive without your headlights on in the fog/rain/night?

Question

Since moving to Oregon, I have noticed more and more people driving in Fog, rain (common weather here) and even after dusk without their headlights on. I have heard the argument that if they can see fine without the headlights, why turn them on?

If I flashed my lights at each person who isn't using their headlights during these times, I would be doing literally a dozen or more times a day.

Answer 1

Yes, it is illegal.

Headlights must be utilized in incliment weather and between sunset and sunrise.

"Headlights must be turned on from sunset to sunrise. Lights also must be on at any time conditions make it difficult to see people or vehicles 1,000 feet ahead. By using your headlights on rainy, snowy, or foggy days, you will help other drivers see you and give yourself an extra safety margin. Headlights turned on during daylight hours will make your vehicle more visible to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians. Use headlights when driving at dusk." - Oregon Driving Manual 2007-2009.

Answer 2

if it's not illegal, it should be!  your lights are there so that you can see, but also so that others can see you!

Answer 3

It's very dangerous if not illegal........if you are going to try this;please be certain there are no people or deer on the roads............

Answer 4

Yes it is illegal. Wow u believe that arguement u deserve to be in the accident. Headlights help other drivers see your car, and therefore help them so they dont rear end u or get into a front end collisions. Drive with your headlights on at all times easiest thing u could do. Unless like really sunny out and yea u know. Also im pretty sure u can get charged for not driving with headlights on during fog and rainfall.

Answer 5

Oregon state laws.

Slow down, especially through high water and fog. Driving through several inches of water or fog at high speed can cause you to lose control of the car.

Driving fast through puddles could splash water into the engine and stall it. Lowering your speed helps you prepare for sudden stops caused by disabled cars, debris and other wet-weather and fog hazards.

Turn on your headlights to improve visibility.



Disengage your cruise control.

Keep your distance. A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet roads or in the fog.

Answer 6

Yes, it is illegal driving. Those drivers without headline does not respect for other driver's safety.

It is important to keep headlight on because other drivers with headlight know where you are. And also, you need to see where you going.

For example if two cars were going on without headlight, and if they couldn't see you, it mostly caused accident if one of car lose control.

Answer 7

They are idiots.  They don't have a clue that headlights, in some conditions, are on so others can see them.

I can't tell you how many early mornings I struggled to see a grey car on a grey road against a grey sky, with no lights on.

Answer 8

headlights are so other people can see then also dont be dumb use ur headlights u dont want to get in to a crash

Answer 9

Yes it is very illegal because You may not need to see where u are going but you do need to see other drivers. And when you put on the headlights your tail lights also come on so you dont crash into people. I think your problem is more you need to see them and they think that it isnt important. But congrats you are doing the right thing. Keep it up

Answer 10

yes it is.