No, driving with interior lights on is not explicitly prohibited in Spain, but it violates Article 109 of the Reglamento General de Circulación (RGC) if it impairs visibility or distracts other drivers. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) interprets such illumination as a potential hazard under Article 110, which mandates that lighting must not obstruct the driver’s view or endanger road safety. While no fine is codified for this offense, police may issue warnings or penalties under broader distracted driving clauses.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Spain
- Visibility Impairment (Art. 109 RGC): Interior lights must not obstruct the driver’s field of vision or create glare that hinders safe operation. This includes dome lights, map lights, or infotainment screens emitting excessive brightness.
- Distraction Clause (Art. 110 RGC): The DGT classifies unnecessary interior lighting as a form of distraction, aligning with 2024 amendments targeting electronic device misuse. Violations may be penalized under distracted driving provisions (fine up to €100).
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed updates to the Ley de Tráfico will explicitly address non-essential lighting as a safety risk. Vehicles with aftermarket LED interiors may face scrutiny under new technical inspection (ITV) standards.
Local traffic authorities in Catalonia and Madrid have issued advisories against prolonged use of interior lights during night driving, citing accident data from 2023 where 12% of nighttime collisions involved obscured vision.