Safe driving encompasses adhering to many rules, some of which are not legally mandated but are essential for your safety and the safety of other road users. One such rule is avoiding the use of interior lights while driving.
Is it against the Law to Drive with Interior Lights On in Colorado?
No, it is not. It is one of the most common misconceptions related to driving in Colorado. Many people believe that driving with interior lights on can result in a traffic ticket or other penalty. The fact is that there are no specific laws in Colorado that prohibit driving with interior lights on. The belief that it is illegal likely stems from concerns about safety, rather than actual legislation.
Although not explicitly prohibited under Colorado traffic laws, interior lights can be distracting and reduce your visibility, which can increase the risk of accidents. That is why they should be used sparingly and only when necessary.
Risks Associated with Driving with Interior Lights On
Driving with interior lights on is generally not recommended because it can be distracting and impede your ability to operate the vehicle safely. Here are the key risks associated with driving with interior lights on:
Glare and Reduced Visibility: Interior lights can create glare on the windshield, especially at night. This glare can obstruct your view of the road and make it more difficult to see pedestrians, other vehicles, road signs, and potential hazards, increasing the risk of accidents.
Distraction: When you turn your interior lights on for any reason, whether to check the map or GPS or to find something, your attention is diverted from the road. Even a momentary distraction can be dangerous, especially at intersections and turns.
Night Vision Impairment: Human eyes are adapted to low-light conditions while driving at night. Sudden exposure to bright interior lights can impair night vision and make it harder for your eyes to readjust to the dark road. This can affect your ability to react to unexpected events like sudden stops, changes in traffic flow, or animals crossing the road.
Disorientation: In some cases, interior lights can be disorienting – particularly if the lights are too bright or if you are fatigued. Disorientation can lead to poor judgment and slower reaction times.
Reflections: Interior lights can cause reflections on windows and mirrors, which can be confusing and make it difficult for you to accurately judge distances and the movement of other vehicles. Reflections can also interfere with your ability to see clearly out of the rear and side mirrors.
If I am Driving with My Interior Lights On in Colorado, Can a Police Officer Pull Me Over?
Yes, but only under certain circumstances. While there is no specific driving with interior lights on law in Colorado, police officers have the right to pull you over if your use of interior lights affects your ability to operate your vehicle and causes you to drive erratically.
This is because Colorado Revised Statutes Section 42-4-1402, commonly referred to as the ‘Careless Driving Law,’ states that drivers must not operate their vehicle in a careless or imprudent manner without due regard for the road and surroundings. If you are distracted due to your interior lights, you can be pulled over for distracted driving.
Consider the following scenario: You are driving at night on a busy highway in Colorado. You realize you need to find a specific document in your glove compartment, so you turn on your interior lights to find it. As you rummage through your glove compartment, you take your eyes off the road, which causes you to drift out of your lane.
A police officer driving behind you notices your erratic driving behavior. Concerned for your safety and the safety of other road users, they pull you over for distracted driving. In this scenario, the officer could let you go with a warning or issue a citation for distracted driving, which is punishable by a fine and one point on your driving record.
If I am Injured by a Driver Who Had Their Interior Lights On, Can I Sue Them?
Colorado law allows you to sue the at-fault driver for negligence and seek compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. The elements you need to establish the driver’s fault are:
Duty of Care: The driver had a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
Breach of Duty: The driver breached this duty by driving with their interior lights on.
Causation: The driver’s use of interior lights directly caused or contributed to the accident.
Damages: You suffered damages due to the accident.
Proving the At-Fault Driver Had Their Interior Lights On During the Accident
Witness Statements: Testimonies from passengers in either vehicle, other drivers, pedestrians, or nearby residents who saw the accident and noticed the interior lights were on.
Police Report: If the responding officers observed that the interior lights were on when they arrived at the scene, this detail might be included in the police report.
Dashcam and Traffic Camera Footage: Video recordings from your vehicle’s dashcam, nearby traffic cameras, or surveillance cameras from nearby residences or businesses can be used to establish that the at-fault driver had their interior lights on when the accident occurred.
Photos from the Accident Scene: Photos taken immediately after the accident can show that the interior lights were on in the at-fault driver’s vehicle.
Statements from the At-Fault Driver: If the at-fault driver admits to having their interior lights on to the responding officers, this detail will be included in the police report and can be used as evidence of the driver’s negligence.
A Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get a Fair Settlement
If you are planning to pursue a personal injury claim for an accident caused by a driver who had their interior lights on, you need to have a seasoned Colorado car accident lawyer on your side. Here are the steps a skilled lawyer can take to protect your rights and help you get a fair settlement.
Initial Consultation: During the initial consultation, your lawyer can assess the specifics of your case, determine whether you have a valid claim, and discuss potential legal strategies to help you get a settlement.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene and consult with expert witnesses to determine how the use of interior lights contributed to the accident. They can also collect all the evidence required, from police reports to witness statements, dashcam and surveillance camera footage, physical evidence from the accident scene, medical records, and statements from expert witnesses, to prove the at-fault driver’s fault and liability.
Evaluation of Damages: Your attorney can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost earnings, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses. They might consult physicians, rehabilitation experts, vocational experts, and other experts to accurately quantify all your damages and maximize the value of your claim.
Settlement Negotiation: Your car accident attorney in Colorado can negotiate on your behalf with the claims adjuster to get a fair settlement. They can use the collected evidence to establish the driver’s fault and liability, prove the extent of damages you have suffered, counter lowball offers from the adjuster, and advocate for a fair settlement.
Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations do not lead to a satisfactory settlement, the lawyer can prepare and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. They can handle all the legal paperwork and comply with all the procedural requirements to avoid unnecessary delays or hurdles in the claims process.
Representation in Court: If your case goes to trial, your Colorado auto crash attorney can represent you, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate for your rights before a judge or jury to recover damages.
Support and Guidance: Your lawyer can provide the support and guidance you need throughout the claims process and keep you informed about the progress of your case at every step. They can help you make informed decisions about any settlement offers or legal actions.
Get Strong Legal Representation from Top-Rated Colorado Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by another driver’s interior lights, you might be facing significant medical expenses and emotional distress. During such a chaotic time, you need the advice and support of an experienced Colorado car accident lawyer.
At Ganderton Law LLC, we have been fighting for the rights of injury victims in Colorado for more than a decade. Our personal injury lawyers have more than 40 years of combined experience representing injury victims and have recovered millions in settlements and jury awards.
Our founder, Dave Ganderton, is a former prosecutor and a former insurance defense attorney who knows how insurers operate and the tactics they use to minimize payouts. His background and experience allow him to anticipate the arguments and strategies of claims adjusters and negotiate effectively to recover fair compensation for his clients.
Call us today at 719-867-4447 to schedule a free consultation with one of our trusted Colorado car accident attorneys.
