Connecticut Headlight & Wiper Law
Connecticut goes further than a wiper law - headlights are required during ANY precipitation, snow, rain, or fog, wipers or not (Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-96a). Add the standard legs: a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and below 500 feet of visibility. It's an infraction. DRLs don't satisfy it - your tail lamps stay dark. Turn the switch to full headlamps, low beam.
A detail here is flagged medium confidence — confirm the exact figure with the state DMV before you rely on it.
When you light up in Connecticut
Connecticut goes further than a wiper law - headlights are required during ANY precipitation, snow, rain, or fog, wipers or not (Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-96a). Add the standard legs: a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and below 500 feet of visibility. It's an infraction. DRLs don't satisfy it - your tail lamps stay dark. Turn the switch to full headlamps, low beam.
Night, low visibility, and daytime
- Night window: from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise. Low-visibility trigger: persons and vehicles not clearly discernible at 500 feet. Plus a third leg broader than a wiper rule - lights required at any time during periods of precipitation, including snow, rain, or fog.
- The precipitation clause is the dual-lens twist: Connecticut requires lights whenever it's snowing, raining, or foggy - not just when your wipers run - so there is no 'light mist, no lights' loophole. No specific work-zone headlight statute; obey posted signs. DRLs are not required and do not satisfy the rule (tail lamps stay dark). Full headlamps, low beam.
Connecticut Headlight Law FAQ
Do you need headlights when using wipers in Connecticut?
When are headlights required in Connecticut?
What is the headlight fine in Connecticut?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://codes.findlaw.com/ct/title-14-motor-vehicles-use-of-the-highway-by-vehicles-gasoline/ct-gen-st-sect-14-96a/. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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