By law when are you suppose to turn your lights on?
Where I live (MN), they must be on between sunset and sunrise, when visibility is 500 feet or less, or when you have your windshield wipers on for rain, snow, sleet, fog, etc. Check the laws where you live for exact specifics that apply to you. Basically, I just turn then on if I have to use my wipers, in fog, or if the dashboard display starts getting darker. That covers pretty much all these that I have to have them on by law where I live.
This is UK law: You MUST - ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise - use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified - use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (see Rule 226). Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise). (Rule 226) You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced (as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
In the United States each state has its laws and regulations. There are fifty states and one federal District of Columbia. Did you miss that Civics class? For you to ask here is dubious as to thinking about this issue and to find local sources of information. In my state the pamphlet issued to any new driver or just by asking for one has the list. From sunset to sunrise. When there is fog, rain and other obstructions to visibility that cuts down vision to less than 1,000 feet. When the wipers are turned on. There are a couple more. In general, I have the lights ON once the engine is running no matter what. Unfortunately, my state like all others, does a rather poor job of teaching and enforcing and advertising these safety regulations and practices. No matter where you might be on planet Earth, turn the lights ON always. Canada and other countries require this of their cars by law. The driver does not have an option. As the engine is turned ON, the lights are ON automatically.
The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations of 1989: all vehicles must keep lights lit during the period of sunset to sunrise . The lights required are front and rear position lamps (side and tail lights) plus, for large vehicles, side marker lamps and end-outline marker lamps and, for motor vehicles, rear number plate lights. Headlights are also required at other times when visibility is restricted, e.g. by fog, rain, snow, overcast sky or smoke. They should also be used in tunnels.
When it is hard to see. like over 500feet is required to see a safe distance. (If you are eating a bowl of cereal and putting your make-up on, you get an extra 500 feet.) When it is hard for other vehicles to see you. But you dont need friggin 8 sets of the dam things, or Ones that melt bumper paint.
