Yes, driving with interior lights on in Colombia is generally legal, but specific conditions apply under Decreto 1077 de 2015 and Resolución 180140 de 2010 from the Ministerio de Transporte. Exterior lighting must prioritize road safety, and interior lights cannot obstruct visibility or distract other drivers. While no explicit ban exists, reckless use may lead to fines under Artículo 131 of the Código Nacional de Tránsito.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Colombia
- Visibility Priority: Interior lights must not impair the driver’s view or blind other road users (Artículo 82, Decreto 1077 de 2015). Excessive brightness or prolonged use in traffic may be deemed a distraction.
- Urban vs. Rural Context: In densely populated areas like Bogotá or Medellín, enforcement is stricter due to higher pedestrian and vehicle density. Rural roads permit more flexibility, but reckless use remains prohibited.
- Technical Standards: Vehicles modified with non-standard interior lighting must comply with Resolución 180140 de 2010, which mandates lights be non-flashing, non-strobing, and dimmed when stationary in traffic.
Enforcement Trends: Since 2023, traffic authorities (ANSV and Secretarías de Movilidad) have increased scrutiny on interior lighting as part of broader distracted-driving crackdowns. Violations may incur fines up to 15 SMLDV (≈$50 USD in 2024), though penalties are rarely issued for minor, non-disruptive use. For 2026, proposed amendments to Decreto 1077 may introduce clearer guidelines on interior lighting intensity.