Is It Illegal To Drive With One Headlight in Gainesville, Florida?

Bill Allen | September 17, 2025 | Florida Law

Is It Illegal To Drive With One Headlight in Gainesville, Florida?

In Gainesville, Florida, it is illegal to drive with only one headlight. Florida law mandates that all motor vehicles display two functioning headlights that emit a white light, one on each side of the front of the vehicle. This requirement is codified under Florida Statutes §§316.217 and 316.220, which set out standards for vehicle lighting equipment and headlight use. 

In addition to breaking the law, driving with one headlight could increase the risk of a car accident in Gainesville, FL.

Every driver in Florida is expected to know, understand, and follow the traffic laws, including the laws governing vehicle requirements. Key requirements for headlights in Florida include:

Number of Required Headlights

Florida Statute §316.220 states that every motor vehicle must have at least two headlamps. They must be located on each side of the vehicle.

Light Characteristics

Headlights must emit a white light. They cannot have any color alteration. Objects, coverings, or materials cannot be placed over or applied to headlights that will alter the headlight color.

Required Height for Headlights

The headlights on a motor vehicle must be located at a specific height. The law requires that the headlights be no more than 54 inches or less than 24 inches from the road surface. The height allows for proper visibility without causing glare for oncoming traffic.

Mandatory Use of Headlights

The law requires that headlights must be used during specific times of day or under certain circumstances. According to Florida Statute §316.217, headlights should be used:

  • At any time from sunset to sunrise, including twilight hours (i.e., the time between sunset and full night or between full night and sunrise)
  • Whenever it is raining or when windshield wipers are in use because of precipitation
  • During fog or smoke conditions that reduce visibility

There may be other instances when headlights must be used. Drivers should pay attention to signs requiring them to use their headlights for added visibility.

Visibility Distance

Florida Statute §316.226 governs the visibility requirements for headlights. Lights should be visible at nighttime from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet from the vehicle when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps. 

Lights cannot be excessively bright as to blind other drivers.

Violations of Florida headlight laws are typically classified as non-criminal traffic infractions. A traffic infraction can lead to fines. The court may also add points to your driver’s license. If so, your driving record could impact your insurance costs. 

If your failure to use headlights correctly contributes to the cause of an accident, it could also impact liability and damages in a car accident claim under Florida’s modified comparative fault law.

Safety Risks of Driving With One Headlight

Vehicles are required to have two headlights for safety reasons. Driving with only one functioning headlight could increase the risk of an accident in numerous ways, including:

  • Reduced visibility: Only one functioning headlight diminishes a driver’s ability to see obstacles, road signs, and hazards, especially at night and during inclement weather. Reduced visibility could cause the driver to make errors that could lead to collisions.
  • Confusion for other drivers: Vehicles with one headlight might be mistaken for motorcycles. It can also cause drivers to misjudge the distance and position of an oncoming vehicle, leading to dangerous situations.
  • Reduced pedestrian awareness: Pedestrians rely on headlights to see oncoming traffic at night and during low visibility. Driving with one headlight could increase the risk of a pedestrian accident because of reduced visibility for the pedestrian and the driver.

Driving with only one functioning headlight may seem like a minor issue, but it creates real safety risks for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and others on the road.

Practical Advice for Gainesville Drivers

Drivers should regularly inspect and maintain headlights on motor vehicles to ensure they function correctly. If a headlight malfunctions, goes out, or breaks, immediately repair or replace the headlight. Cleaning headlights ensures they maintain sufficient visibility.

It is also essential to use headlights when required by law, but also during decreased visibility. If you cannot see at least 450 feet in front of the vehicle, it is wise to turn on your headlights.

Filing a Car Accident Claim in Gainesville, FL

Car accidents occur for many reasons. Even though Florida is a no-fault insurance state, you may have a liability claim if you sustained serious injuries. A Gainesville car accident lawyer can advise you of your legal options and rights regarding economic and non-economic damages for a car accident.

If you have questions or need help with a car accident claim, call Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for a complimentary consultation with an attorney. 

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652