Understanding Minnesota Statute 169.48: Our State’s Headlight Laws

Once or twice a week—sometimes more—I get a call from a listener asking me to go on the radio and remind people to turn their headlights on. It’s a major pet peeve for local drivers because it's annoying and dangerous.

In the winter, the sun rises late and sets early, but Minnesota’s headlight law goes far beyond the "sunset to sunrise" rule. Minnesota Statute 169.48 clearly defines when drivers must have their lights on, and according to legal experts at KnowYourRights.com, it’s "probably more often than you think."

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Minnesota Headlight Legal Requirements: "Wipers On, Lights On"

The Albert Lea Police Department shared a helpful reminder on Facebook: if your wipers are on, your lights should be too. Under Minnesota law, you must manually turn on your headlights during:

• Any precipitation: This includes rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
• Low visibility: Any time weather, smoke, fog, or other conditions make it difficult to see the road ahead for at least 500 feet.
• Standard hours: From sunset to sunrise.

Why Your "Auto" Setting Isn't Enough

Do not rely on your “Auto” headlight setting. In many vehicles, automatic headlights only turn on when it is dark enough outside. During a gray, snowy afternoon or a light drizzle, your car might stay "dark." By manually switching your headlights to the "On" position, you ensure your taillights are also activated, making you visible to drivers approaching from behind.

The 1,000, 350, and 200-Foot Rules Explained

Sgt. Troy Christianson from the Minnesota State Patrol talked about headlight etiquette and headlight distance rules.

• Dim Your Beams: Switch to low beams when you are within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle or following another vehicle within 200 feet.
• Don't "Outdrive" Your Lights: You should be able to stop within the distance your beams illuminate. For most vehicles, high beams cover about 350 feet.
• Managing Glare: If you are blinded by oncoming high beams, don't stare into the lights. Focus on the white fog line along the right edge of the road as a reference point.

Can You Get Pulled Over For Not Using Headlights in Minnesota?

Beyond total darkness, KnowYourRights.com points out that Minnesota police have the legal right to stop a driver for failing to use headlights in even a ' light -drizzle' or overcast conditions.

You could get a ticket, and if you are involved in a crash and your lights weren't on during poor conditions, it could be cited as a contributing factor.