Is it Actually illegal To Drive With The Interior Light On?

Most drivers have heard the same warning at some point: “Turn that light off, it’s illegal to drive with the interior light on!” 

It’s one of the most persistent driving myths in the UK, right up there with whether you can drive in flip flops or even listen to really loud music. Many people believe it without ever questioning it. 

But what do the rules really say about auto interior lights, visibility, and driver distraction? And is this something you can genuinely be fined for? 

Let’s break it down.

So... is it actually illegal to drive with your interior light on?

The short answer is, no, it is not illegal to drive with your interior light on. There is no UK law that specifically bans drivers or passengers from using the interior light while the vehicle is moving. 

However… 

Just like driving in flip-flops, the legality depends on whether you’re still able to drive safely and maintain full control of your vehicle. Interior lights can cause issues that fall under wider driving laws, and that’s where things can become a problem.

How having your interior light on can become an offence

UK driving law doesn’t specifically target the light itself; it focuses on your ability to drive safely. This links to the wider Road Traffic Act, which requires drivers to maintain proper control and a full view of the road ahead. 

In practice, this means police won’t stop you just for having a light on, but they could stop you if the light is clearly affecting your driving.

An interior light may lead to an offence if it:

• Creates glare on the windscreen 
• Impairs your view of the road 
• Causes a distraction for the driver 
• Affects your ability to control the vehicle 
• Contributes to careless or dangerous driving 

In short, It’s not illegal, but it can get you into trouble if it compromises safety.

Why interior lights can be distracting

Interior lights might feel insignificant, but even a small amount of light inside the car can disrupt your night vision. When the cabin is illuminated, your eyes take longer to adjust to the darkness outside, making it harder to see the road clearly.

Some common visibility issues include:

• Windscreen reflections that reduce clarity and make hazards harder to spot.
• Lower contrast, making distance and depth harder to judge in the dark.
• Increased glare during poor weather like rain, fog or snow.
• Movement inside the car, which naturally draws your attention away from the road.
• Light catching the rear-view mirror affects your focus and nighttime visibility.

The main thing to remember is to be more aware when the interior light is on. Remember that it can make it harder to see clearly, react quickly, and stay fully focused on what’s happening outside the car.

Are passengers allowed to use the interior light?

Yes, passengers can legally use the interior light to read, check a map, help a child, or find something in the car. However, there a few things that you need to bear in mind if they do need to use the interior light at any point on your journey:

• The driver is responsible for ensuring it doesn’t interfere with their visibility.
• Passengers should avoid turning lights on/off repeatedly.
• Parents should manage children using interior lighting.
• If it becomes distracting, the driver can ask for it to be switched off.

If you’re a passenger or have passengers in the back, just remember that safety always comes first.

Common myths about driving with interior lights

There are plenty of misconceptions about driving rules, none more so than those surrounding interior lighting. Let’s clear up the most common ones.

You'll get fined instantly

Not true. Police rarely take action unless the light is directly impacting safe driving, as we mentioned above.

It's illegal for children to read in the car at night

Also untrue. Passengers can read at night, but if the light interferes with driving, it will need to be turned off.

The interior light has to stay off after sunset

There is no such rule.

Police can stop you solely for having the light on

Technically, yes, they can stop you - if they think your driving is being impacted. But they cannot issue a fine simply because the interior light is on.

When you should avoid using the interior light

Knowing when the interior light is likely to cause problems is just as important as understanding why. Certain driving conditions demand your full attention and the best possible visibility, and an illuminated cabin can make both harder to achieve. 

These are the most common driving scenarios you’re likely to find yourself in when it’s best to avoid using the interior light: 

• Night driving on rural roads or unlit roads, where visibility is already limited. 
• Heavy traffic or fast-moving conditions. 
• Motorway or high-speed driving, when fast reaction times are crucial. 
•  Poor weather conditions: fog, rain or snow, all increase the risk of reflections or glare. 
• Tight bends or unfamiliar routes, where you need maximum concentration. 
• Any situation where the light reflects onto the windscreen and obstructs your view. 

If you do need the light for something essential, keep it brief, or pull over to a safe place before switching it on.

Safe alternatives if you need light in the car

If you or your passengers regularly need light inside the car, try: 

• Using phone torches pointed downwards, away from the windscreen 
• Pulling over safely if you need to read documents or check details 
• Ensuring interior bulbs aren’t overly bright or flickering 

Small adjustments can keep everyone safe and significantly reduce glare.

The law in simple terms

To recap the key points that we’ve covered, here’s the simple breakdown of what’s allowed, and when interior light use can become a problem under UK driving law.

Not illegal:

• Driving with the interior light on 
• Passengers using the interior light 
• Children reading in the car at night

Potentially illegal if it leads to:

• Driver distraction 
• Poor control of the vehicle 
• Careless or dangerous driving 

Always remember, it’s all about safety and control - not the light itself.

Keeping your car's lights in good working order

Visibility isn’t just about how you use your lights inside the car; it’s also about the condition of your bulbs, electrics, and external lights. Dim, flickering or faulty lighting can make night driving harder, both inside and outside the vehicle. If your interior or exterior lights aren’t performing as they should, it’s worth getting them checked. 

Understanding the truth behind driving myths helps you feel confident behind the wheel, especially when it comes to visibility and nighttime driving. If you’d like your lights checked or need any bulbs replaced, your local Kwik Fit centre is here to help.