Law on Auto Headlights in Ohio

The laws in Ohio govern the use of headlights on motor vehicles to protect drivers and pedestrians. The laws govern the conditions under which headlights must be in use, the height of the lights and the type of beams that can be used.

When Headlights Must Be Used

• Ohio law states that headlights must be in use from sunset to sunrise and at any time when poor lighting or weather conditions create a situation where the driver cannot see other vehicles, pedestrians or hazards 1,000 feet ahead. Beginning in 2010, the law also states that at any time the windshield wipers are on because of any precipitation, the headlights must also be on.

Height of Headlights

• The law requires that headlights be placed on the car so that the center of the light is at least 24 inches and no more than 54 inches off of the ground. The headlights should illuminate at least 350 feet ahead when high beams are in use and 100 feet ahead when low beams are in use.

Headlight Color

• The color of headlights in Ohio must be white, and fog lamps can be white, yellow or amber. The law requires that the vehicle wiring must be such that the tail lights are also lit up when the fog lamps are on.