When is the use of headlights required in North Dakota?

Headlights are required in North Dakota when visibility is less than 500 feet. This rule is in place to ensure that drivers can see and be seen by others when visibility is significantly reduced, such as during fog, heavy rain, or snow. Using headlights under these conditions enhances safety by improving visibility for both the driver and other road users.

While headlights are also commonly used during nighttime hours and in adverse weather conditions, the specific requirement relates to the visibility threshold. This means that regardless of the time of day or weather conditions, if you cannot see a distance of 500 feet ahead, turning on your headlights becomes mandatory. This approach helps to prevent accidents that could occur due to limited sight and ensures that all vehicles on the road are visible to one another.