Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | July 14, 2025 | Car Accidents
Most of us don’t think twice about our headlights until one goes out. It’s easy to overlook, especially if the other is still working. But if you’re driving around Florida with a burnt-out headlight, you could be facing more than just visibility issues. You might also be violating state law.
In Florida, driving with just one working headlight is against the law. Beyond the legal consequences, it could increase your risk of getting into a crash, especially at night or during bad weather. If you’re involved in a collision while your headlight is out, it might even affect liability.
What Does Florida Law Say About Headlights?
Florida law is clear: cars must have two functioning headlights, mounted on opposite sides of the vehicle’s front. These lights must emit white light and should be in use from dusk to dawn—or any time visibility is poor, such as in rain or fog.
Getting pulled over for driving with just one headlight could result in a traffic ticket and a fine. While it might seem like a minor offense, the penalties can escalate—especially if the issue contributes to an accident.
Why a Missing Headlight Puts Everyone at Risk
Driving with just one headlight makes it harder to see and be seen. It’s not just about your visibility—it’s about how other drivers perceive your vehicle, too.
- Your visibility is reduced, especially on dark roads or during rainstorms.
- Depth perception is weakened, making it harder to judge how far away other vehicles or objects are.
- Other drivers may be confused and mistake your vehicle for a motorcycle.
- Your reaction time may suffer, increasing the chances of a last-minute panic stop or a collision.
In short, a single headlight limits your ability to drive safely and puts everyone around you at risk.
Accidents Involving Vehicles With One Headlight
If you’re in a crash and your car has a defective headlight, don’t be surprised if the other side’s insurance company uses that factor against you. Your broken headlight could make you partially responsible even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, wmeaning if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. If your car wasn’t properly maintained, and that played a role in the accident, your compensation could be reduced accordingly.
On the flip side, if another driver’s headlight was out and caused confusion or limited visibility, that fact could help support your claim for economic and non-economic damages.
How to Stay Compliant and Avoid Trouble
Here are a few simple things you can do to avoid fines and potential liability in an accident:
- Check your headlights regularly, especially if you drive often at night.
- Clean your headlights.
- Replace burnt-out bulbs immediately.
- Make sure they’re angled properly.
It only takes a few minutes to check, but it can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Contact the Car Accident Law Firm of Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866