No, Arizona law prohibits driving with interior lights on if they impair visibility or distract other drivers, per A.R.S. §28-914(A). The statute targets unsafe lighting conditions, aligning with 2026 ADOT guidelines emphasizing distraction mitigation. Violations may incur fines up to $250 under county-specific ordinances.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Arizona
- A.R.S. §28-914(A) prohibits lighting that obstructs the driver’s view or impairs other motorists’ ability to perceive vehicle signals.
- Phoenix Municipal Code §36-76 and Tucson Code §11-31 classify illuminated interiors as a “distraction hazard,” enforceable via traffic citations.
- ADOT 2026 Safety Directive mandates interior lights remain off during active driving, except for essential map reading or passenger assistance, with dashboard lighting capped at 30 lumens.
Local law enforcement prioritizes this violation during nighttime patrols, particularly in Maricopa and Pima Counties, where distracted driving accounts for 18% of collisions. Courts may dismiss charges if the light source is non-intrusive (e.g., dim map lights) and does not reflect off windows. Always verify county-specific rules, as rural jurisdictions like Coconino County impose stricter interpretations under A.R.S. §28-4457.