Oregon Headlight & Wiper Law
Lights on from sunset to sunrise, and any time you can't see 1,000 feet ahead (ORS 811.515). Oregon has no wiper mandate. ORS 811.526 only funds a state campaign urging lights with wipers — but that same 1,000-foot rule catches you in hard rain or fog. Failing to use lights is a Class B traffic violation, about $265. DRLs leave your tail lamps dark; use full headlamps, low beam.
When you light up in Oregon
Lights on from sunset to sunrise, and any time you can't see 1,000 feet ahead (ORS 811.515). Oregon has no wiper mandate. ORS 811.526 only funds a state campaign urging lights with wipers — but that same 1,000-foot rule catches you in hard rain or fog. Failing to use lights is a Class B traffic violation, about $265. DRLs leave your tail lamps dark; use full headlamps, low beam.
Night, low visibility, and daytime
- Night: sunset to sunrise (Oregon uses the narrower window, not the half-hour version). Low visibility: any time persons and vehicles are not clearly discernible on a straight, level, unlighted highway at 1,000 feet ahead (ORS 811.515; ORS 801.325).
- No statewide daytime work-zone headlight mandate. Watch for posted 'Headlights On' sections on mountain passes and tunnels, where the signs create the duty. DRLs are recognized but do not cover the tail lamps — use full headlamps. Low beam required within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle and within 350 ft when following (ORS 811.515).
Oregon Headlight Law FAQ
Do you need headlights when using wipers in Oregon?
When are headlights required in Oregon?
What is the headlight fine in Oregon?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://www.oregon.gov/odot/safety/pages/lights-and-swipes.aspx. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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