Ohio Headlight & Wiper Law
Ohio makes it a statute: headlights on any time your windshield wipers are running because of precipitation (ORC §4513.03). Lights are also required sunset to sunrise and any time you can't see persons, vehicles, or substantial objects 1,000 feet ahead. Parking lights alone are illegal, and DRLs don't count -- they leave your tail lamps dark. Run full low beams. A violation is a minor misdemeanor, up to $150.
When you light up in Ohio
Ohio makes it a statute: headlights on any time your windshield wipers are running because of precipitation (ORC §4513.03). Lights are also required sunset to sunrise and any time you can't see persons, vehicles, or substantial objects 1,000 feet ahead. Parking lights alone are illegal, and DRLs don't count -- they leave your tail lamps dark. Run full low beams. A violation is a minor misdemeanor, up to $150.
Night, low visibility, and daytime
- Night is sunset to sunrise. Low-visibility trigger is 1,000 feet: lights on any other time insufficient natural light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions keep persons, vehicles, and substantial objects on the highway from being discernible at 1,000 feet ahead (ORC §4513.03(A)).
- No statewide work-zone daytime-headlight mandate beyond the general rule. Operating on only parking lights is expressly prohibited when lamps are required (§4513.03). DRLs aren't required and don't satisfy §4513.03 -- tail lamps stay dark -- so use full headlamps, not AUTO or DRL.
Ohio Headlight Law FAQ
Do you need headlights when using wipers in Ohio?
When are headlights required in Ohio?
What is the headlight fine in Ohio?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.03. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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