Defective/improper headlamps
Florida Statute § 316.220
Summary verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: October 1, 2026.
Quick Summary
Covered motor vehicles need at least two white headlamps, one on each front side, mounted 24–54 inches above level ground as measured under §316.217. A cover or material may not alter the headlamp's light color. Document missing or defective lamps, emitted color, any covering, and mounting height if that is the basis. Apply the vehicle-class provisions and chapter exceptions; motorcycles have their own headlamp requirements.
Summary sources
Classification, Points & Penalties
Classification, Points & Penalties
- Category
- Lighting
- Type
- Non-Moving
- Civil / Criminal
- Civil
- Offense Classification
- Nonmoving infraction
- Points
- 0
- Fine / Penalty
- $30 base nonmoving penalty; offense-specific penalties/court costs may differ
Base fines are not the total payable amount. Costs, enforcement method, crash consequences, prior history, and court disposition can change penalties or points. A reported zero does not rule out license suspension or revocation.
Court & Enforcement
Court & Enforcement
- Mandatory Court
- No, generally
- NTA Eligible
- N/A — civil citation
- Custodial Arrest
- No — civil infraction (absent separate lawful basis)
NTA means notice to appear. Eligibility is conditional; these fields do not independently authorize arrest. Confirm the exact statutory track, lawful arrest authority, traffic procedure, and agency policy.
Arrest authority guideCivil infractions resulting in death or serious bodily injury require a hearing under §318.19.