Texas law enforcement and the Texas Department of Transportation work together to keep the roads safe. These entities help enforce Texas laws in an attempt to prevent tragedies caused by car accidents. Some of the things police officers will look for are working headlights and tail lights.
Headlight laws require these lights to be visible and operational in Texas. Vehicles that aren’t equipped with two working headlights may be pulled over. Drivers will typically receive a ticket from the cop who stopped them for driving with a broken headlight in Texas.
You may be heading out after dark or before sunrise and notice that you have a headlight out. Is it illegal? Angel Reyes & Associates is a Dallas personal injury law firm committed to providing 5-star service for victims of car accidents. Here is what you should know about headlight laws, how having a headlight out could get you into trouble, and what could happen in the event of a crash.
Texas Headlight Laws and Regulations
According to Texas headlight laws, motor vehicles are required to have at least one lamp that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in normal sunlight. Texas law also requires that headlights be used during sunrise and sunset, inclement weather conditions, or when visibility is limited to 1,000 feet.
The Texas Department of Transportation includes this in the Texas Transportation Code, which specifies that motor vehicles must have two working headlights for use at night, but it is not illegal to drive with one headlight during the day. As for motorcyclists, headlights must be used day and night.
Additionally, the Texas Transportation Code also addresses tail lights, specifying that vehicles must have two red lights on the rear of the vehicle that provide visibility from 1,000 feet away. Having one red light tail light out can also land you in trouble. If you have one headlight out or any of your other lights are not operational, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure safety on the road.
In addition to the one headlight law, Texas drivers should be aware of their high beams. You could face legal issues if you do not use them when appropriate as per headlight laws.
High beams should be turned off when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet of a vehicle in front of you traveling in the same direction. Using them in low visibility, such as during rain, snow, or fog is permitted. You can use them when it is dark and difficult to see, and when there are no other vehicles around you to prevent hindering the driver’s view with glare.
Consequences of Driving Motor Vehicles with One Headlight in Texas
If you are pulled over for driving with one headlight out on your car or truck, a police officer may give you a warning or a ticket, depending on the circumstances. During daytime hours, it will likely not be an issue unless the weather is foul. However, at night or during sunrise or sunset, don’t be surprised to see flashing lights from a police car pulling you over.
You might be issued a traffic ticket and a fine, or if your vehicle is deemed a safety hazard by the officer after their inspection of your headlamps and windshield, they may call a tow truck to remove your vehicle. You will need to comply with the rules and have the repairs made to make your vehicle ready for the road.
Staying Safe and Compliant on Texas Roads
To stay safe and comply with state laws as well as federal standards, make sure to regularly inspect your vehicle’s headlights and stop lamps, and replace them if they are damaged or not functioning properly. In low-visibility conditions, you should use your lighted fog lamps or other illuminating devices to increase your visibility to other drivers.
It is best to familiarize yourself with Texas headlight laws to avoid receiving a ticket and fines, and to minimize the risk of a crash.
Other Requirements of Headlights in Texas
All vehicles in Texas must have two working headlamps that are white in color. They can’t be any other color, such as blue or red. Headlights must not be obscured by a cover or grill mounted on top. The bulbs used must have a DOT-approved or SAE stamp on them.
You won’t need to worry about your headlights meeting these requirements unless you have aftermarket lights installed. As for tail lights, you should have two stop lamps that glow red and can be seen from a distance of 300 feet away.
Understanding the Penalties for Not Having Operational Headlights on Your Car in Texas
Headlights and taillights are required for your visibility on the road. If you fail to abide by these rules, a cop may issue a ticket. You can also get a ticket for not dimming your high beams accordingly.
If you get a ticket for issues with your headlights, the two reflectors, high beams, or taillights, you may wind up with points on your driver’s license. This could result in higher insurance premiums. Additionally, you may fail the inspections required by the state, which would mean you can’t renew your registration until you have your headlights and rear lights repaired.
How Issues with Headlights Could Make You Liable in a Car Accident
When an accident occurs, investigations will focus on the operation of each vehicle. If a driver did not have working headlights, did not turn them on, or only one was working, it could have been a factor in the crash.
Even if you were not the one to cause the accident, the other person may claim that they did not see you until the last second because you did not operate your headlights according to the rules. Texas is an at-fault state that holds the driver who caused the crash liable for damages. It also uses a modified comparative negligence rule that can assign partial blame in these situations.
If any of the lights on your vehicle don’t operate as they should, it could mean that you will be assigned some fault. This would reduce the compensation you receive for your injuries. Upholding safety standards is imperative as reflectors and lights can indicate your location on the road, which other drivers use to make decisions about their speed, as well as when and where they will turn.
What to Do If You Are Being Blamed for Non-Working Headlights in an Accident
In the event that you get into a crash and you are being blamed because of your headlights, taillights, or high beams, it is best to discuss your circumstances with an attorney. Likewise, if you crashed into another vehicle because it lacked proper lights, you may be able to hold the driver accountable for your injuries.
A car accident attorney in Texas will understand the regulations that must be met for safe driving. They will investigate and gather evidence to support your case while negotiating to get you what is fair for your injuries and other financial losses.
Angel Reyes & Associates can help in the aftermath of your crash. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your legal options after an accident with one headlight.
