Is it illegal to drive while your car’s interior light is on? Here’s what NC law says

Did anyone else’s parents tell them a police officer will get them in trouble if they turned on the interior dome light while driving?

Along with The Charlotte Observer, we’ve been looking into driving laws in North Carolina to keep you informed and teach you what you can and can’t do behind the wheel.

Our latest story explores this question (which turned out to be a myth): Is it illegal to drive with the interior lights on?

Here’s what we learned.

Is it illegal to drive with your interior light on in NC?

No, this isn’t illegal, said Sgt. Marcus Bethea, public information officer for NC State Highway Patrol.

“There is no law that I am aware of that prohibits a dome light being on while a vehicle is in motion, whether during daylight, nightfall or otherwise,” he said.

But, while it’s not illegal to drive with your interior lights on, it can become a safety hazard, says Policygenius, a Durham-based online insurance marketplace that publishes auto-related blog posts by insurance experts.

This practice can obstruct your own vision, as well as other drivers.

And law enforcement officers can pull you over for distracted driving, if you’re clearly doing something with the light on that’s taking your eyes off the road.

“For example, if a police officer sees you driving with your interior lights on and you seem to be rummaging around for something, or looking down from the view ahead of you, they may pull you over because you’re clearly not focused on the road,” Policygenius says.

“While the interior lights aren’t technically illegal, the reason you turned them on may be.”

If there’s a reason why you need to turn your interior light on in your car while driving, make sure you find a safe place to pull over first.

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