You’re Breaking the Law in Indiana if You DON’T Do This While Driving

It never ceases to amaze me how many people don't know the rules of the road. Just drive anywhere, for any amount of time, and you are bound to see some driving laws/rules being broken - speeding, failure to use turn signals, failure to yield, and ignoring traffic signs and lights are a few of the most common examples.

ALSO READ: 12 Items You Can’t Legally Throw in the Trash in Indiana

Now I want you to think back to when you first learned to drive. Were you ever taught when to use and when not to use your headlights? It seems like common sense stuff, right? But remember that common sense isn't always so common. There are actual headlight laws for drivers in Indiana that you might be inadvertently breaking. Take a look, and keep it legal!

Indiana Laws Regarding Use of Headlights, High Beams, and Hazards

• Headlights must be in use from sunset to sunrise.
• Headlights must be in use when you cannot see at least 500 feet in front of you.
• High beams must be dimmed when approaching traffic is within 500 feet.
• High beams must also be dimmed when following within 200 feet of another vehicle.
• Hazard lights are only permitted while driving to indicate an emergency.
• Hazard lights may be also used to indicate a disabled vehicle along the roadway.

As far as I can tell, those are the only laws on the books when it comes to using your headlights. It makes me wonder, though, about the legality of other common headlight situations.

• Flashing your lights at other drivers: Are you doing it to tell other drivers to turn on their lights, or turn off their high beams? Are you doing it to warn drivers about the police? Your reasoning doesn't seem to matter. In almost every situation, flashing your lights is NOT illegal.
• Using headlights when it raining, snowing, or foggy: Sure, it's recommended, it's the safe thing to do, and it's common sense, but I don't think it's an actual law.

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So, the next time you hit the road, make sure you're not unknowingly breaking any headlight laws. And while you're at it, now might be a good time to refresh yourself with the information included in the Indiana Driver's Manual - don't worry, it's only 84 pages long!