Colorado Headlight & Wiper Law
Colorado's driver materials tell you 'wipers on, lights on,' but the statute (C.R.S. 42-4-204) carries no wiper line — it's sunset-to-sunrise plus the 1,000-foot visibility rule. That gap doesn't get you off: mountain rain and snow heavy enough for the wipers puts you under 1,000 feet, so lights are required anyway. Low beams in fog. DRLs leave your rear dark; switch to full headlamps.
When you light up in Colorado
Colorado's driver materials tell you 'wipers on, lights on,' but the statute (C.R.S. 42-4-204) carries no wiper line — it's sunset-to-sunrise plus the 1,000-foot visibility rule. That gap doesn't get you off: mountain rain and snow heavy enough for the wipers puts you under 1,000 feet, so lights are required anyway. Low beams in fog. DRLs leave your rear dark; switch to full headlamps.
Night, low visibility, and daytime
- Sunset to sunrise, and any time insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions keep persons and vehicles from being clearly discernible at 1,000 feet (C.R.S. 42-4-204).
- No statewide work-zone daytime-headlight mandate; watch for posted 'Headlights On' pass and tunnel sections. DRLs aren't required and don't satisfy 42-4-204 — tail lamps stay dark on DRL and 'AUTO'. Use full low beams. Note the dual lens: handbooks and troopers push 'wipers on, lights on' even though the statute rests on the 1,000-foot trigger.
Colorado Headlight Law FAQ
Do you need headlights when using wipers in Colorado?
When are headlights required in Colorado?
What is the headlight fine in Colorado?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://colorado.public.law/statutes/crs_42-4-204. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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