Yes, driving with interior lights on is legal in North Dakota under state traffic statutes, provided it does not obstruct the driver’s view or impair vehicle control. While no explicit statute prohibits interior lighting, North Dakota’s Uniform Traffic Code (NDCC § 39-10-07) mandates that lighting must not interfere with safe operation. Local jurisdictions, including the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), have not issued recent amendments targeting this practice, though officers may cite violations under broader distracted driving or visibility statutes if the lighting impedes safe operation.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in North Dakota
- Visibility Standards: Interior lighting must not obscure the driver’s view of the road or traffic signals (NDCC § 39-10-07). Excessive brightness or misdirected illumination could violate this provision.
- Distracted Driving Prohibitions: Under NDCC § 39-06.1-03, any interior lighting that diverts the driver’s attention from the road may be cited as a form of distracted driving.
- Local Enforcement Discretion: While state law permits interior lighting, municipal ordinances (e.g., Bismarck or Fargo) may impose additional restrictions. Officers retain authority to enforce safety-based violations.
Source: North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) § 39-10-07, NDDOT Traffic Safety Guidelines (2024).