Yes, Alabama law permits driving with interior lights on, but only if they do not impair visibility or distract other drivers. The Alabama Code Title 32, Section 5-213 prohibits lights that interfere with safe operation, leaving ambiguity for interior lighting. Local jurisdictions, including the Birmingham Police Department, enforce this under general distracted driving statutes. A 2026 Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) advisory warns against excessive interior illumination, signaling potential future restrictions.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Alabama
- Visibility Interference: Interior lights must not project light onto the windshield or side windows in a manner that obstructs the driver’s view or impairs other motorists’ ability to see (Alabama Code § 32-5-213).
- Distraction Standards: Local ordinances, such as those enforced by the Mobile Police Department, classify excessively bright or flashing interior lights as a form of distracted driving under municipal traffic codes.
- Equipment Violations: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) may cite vehicles with interior lighting systems deemed non-compliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS 108) if they pose a safety risk.
Violations typically result in citations under reckless or careless driving statutes, with fines ranging from $25 to $200 depending on local enforcement. ALDOT’s 2026 guidance suggests stricter interpretation of “safe operation,” urging drivers to minimize interior lighting during nighttime driving. Always prioritize compliance with visibility and distraction laws to avoid penalties.