Ask a Trooper: Daytime running lights not legal for headlight use

Q: In one of your articles about headlights, you missed a perfect opportunity to address those daytime driving lights. People seem to think they are legal for headlights, but they do not activate your tail lights and are not legal for rain or fog. So, can you talk about it?

A: You are absolutely correct on this issue. Daytime running lights are not legal to use as headlights when headlights are required. Many makes and models of vehicles do not have tail lights come on when the headlights are on automatic. Tail lights (and all other vehicle lighting) are required when headlights are required to be on. For many years now, I have been recommending that drivers turn their headlights on at all times, then they don’t have to worry about when they are required to be on. Everyone should override their headlight switches and turn them on at all times when behind the wheel to make sure that the tail lights and all the other lights that are required are on when headlights are required.

Sgt. Curt S. Mowers is a regional public information officer for the Minnesota State Patrol.

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