Utah Headlight & Wiper Law
Utah pairs sunset-to-sunrise with the 1,000-foot visibility rule (Utah Code 41-6a-1603). No explicit wiper statute, but canyon rain and snow that keeps the wipers running drops you under 1,000 feet, which triggers the rule on its own. In fog and heavy snow, low beams only — high beams bounce back and blind you. DRLs and 'AUTO' don't light your rear; physically flip the switch to ON.
When you light up in Utah
Utah pairs sunset-to-sunrise with the 1,000-foot visibility rule (Utah Code 41-6a-1603). No explicit wiper statute, but canyon rain and snow that keeps the wipers running drops you under 1,000 feet, which triggers the rule on its own. In fog and heavy snow, low beams only — high beams bounce back and blind you. DRLs and 'AUTO' don't light your rear; physically flip the switch to ON.
Night, low visibility, and daytime
- Sunset to sunrise, and any time persons and vehicles aren't clearly discernible at 1,000 feet due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions (Utah Code 41-6a-1603). Current text uses the plain sunset-to-sunrise window, not the half-hour buffer.
- No statewide work-zone headlight mandate; obey posted signs in canyons and tunnels. DRLs are not mandated and don't meet 41-6a-1603 — DRL and 'AUTO' modes leave the tail lamps off. Turn headlights fully ON, low beam.
Utah Headlight Law FAQ
Do you need headlights when using wipers in Utah?
When are headlights required in Utah?
What is the headlight fine in Utah?
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 Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it.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://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title41/Chapter6a/41-6a-S1603.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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