When are drivers required to use headlights in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, drivers are required to use their headlights from sunset to sunrise and during any conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog, rain, or snow. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of all road users, as visibility can be significantly impaired during these times or conditions.

Using headlights at the appropriate times improves the driver's ability to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs, and it also makes the vehicle more visible to others on the road, reducing the risk of accidents. This regulation not only enhances safety but also aligns with the behavior of responsible driving by ensuring that vehicles can be easily seen.

During bad weather, fog, or other conditions that may not necessarily occur at night, while it is advisable and generally required to use headlights, the law specifically outlines the mandatory times for headlight use to include both nighttime and instances of reduced visibility. Thus, the requirement goes beyond just bad weather or fog.