Headlamps required
Florida Statute § 316.217
Summary verified against the 2026 Florida Statutes: October 1, 2026.
Quick Summary
A vehicle operated on a highway must display the lights required for its class from sunset to sunrise, including twilight, and during any rain, smoke, or fog. Determine which required lamps were unlit and the actual time/weather; daytime running lights may not illuminate all required lamps. Stop and turn lamps must also work when used. A narrow law-enforcement exception requires necessity, a written agency policy, compliance with that policy, and safe operation; parked vehicles have separate exceptions.
Summary sources
Classification, Points & Penalties
Classification, Points & Penalties
- Category
- Lighting
- Type
- Non-Moving
- Civil / Criminal
- Civil
- Offense Classification
- Moving infraction
- Points
- 3
- Fine / Penalty
- $60 base moving penalty; costs and statutory exceptions may apply
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.