Kansas Headlight & Wiper Law
Kansas spells it out: headlights on whenever your wipers run continuously for rain, sleet, or snow (K.S.A. 8-1703(a)(3)), plus sunset to sunrise and any time you cannot see 1,000 feet. The wiper clause draws a warning citation only, but the same weather kills the 1,000-foot line, which carries the $45 fine. Use low beams and turn the switch fully on - DRLs leave your tail lamps dark, exactly when the law wants a spraying rig seen.
When you light up in Kansas
Kansas spells it out: headlights on whenever your wipers run continuously for rain, sleet, or snow (K.S.A. 8-1703(a)(3)), plus sunset to sunrise and any time you cannot see 1,000 feet. The wiper clause draws a warning citation only, but the same weather kills the 1,000-foot line, which carries the $45 fine. Use low beams and turn the switch fully on - DRLs leave your tail lamps dark, exactly when the law wants a spraying rig seen.
Night, low visibility, and daytime
- NIGHT: sunset to sunrise (K.S.A. 8-1703(a)(1)). LOW VISIBILITY: any time insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions keep persons and vehicles from being clearly discernible at 1,000 feet ahead (8-1703(a)(2)). WIPERS: headlights required when windshield wipers are in continuous use for rain, sleet, or snow (8-1703(a)(3)).
- Work zone: no statewide daytime work-zone headlight statute - posted signs govern. Designated stretch: signed sections create the duty by sign. DRL: Kansas does not mandate daytime running lights, and DRLs do NOT satisfy 8-1703 - front-only lamps leave your tail and marker lamps dark. Switch to full headlamps, not AUTO/DRL.
Kansas Headlight Law FAQ
Do you need headlights when using wipers in Kansas?
When are headlights required in Kansas?
What is the headlight fine in Kansas?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_017_0003.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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