Alabama LED/HID Headlight Use Law (2023)

Ministry of Transport

2006 Alabama Code (Section 32-5-240) - Required Lighting Equipment and Lighting Devices of Vehicles.

(a) When illuminated headlamps are required

1. Every vehicle on a highway within this state, except for a parked vehicle, which is subject to Section 32-5-244, must display illuminated lamps and lighting devices required by this section for various classes of vehicle at the following times:

• From half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise.
• Anytime the vehicle's wipers are in use due to rain, sleet or snow, except when use is suspended due to foggy rain, sleet or snow.
• Whenever there is insufficient light to clearly identify people and vehicles 500 feet away on the freeway.

2. Notwithstanding sub-section (1), when motor vehicles or other vehicles are operated in combination during a period when lamps and lighting devices must be on, any lamp other than a rear lamp which, by virtue of its location on a vehicle, is operable in combination by a would be covered by another vehicle in the combination does not need to be illuminated. This subdivision is without prejudice to the requirement that luminous end-outline lamps be fitted at the front of the foremost vehicle, which must be equipped with end-outline lamps, or that all lamps required at the rear of the rearmost vehicle of any combination be lit.

(b) Headlights on motor vehicles

1. Every motor vehicle, with the exception of motorcycles and powered bicycles, shall be equipped with at least two but not more than four headlights, with at least one but not more than two on each side of the front of the motor vehicle. Headlamps must meet the requirements and limitations of Section 32-5-242.

2. Each motorcycle and powered two-wheeler shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two headlights that meet the requirements and limitations of Section 32-5-242.

3. Every motor vehicle shall have a tail lamp or separate lamp so constructed and arranged as to illuminate the rear registration plate with white light and make it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Each tail lamp or tail lamp shall be wired together with any separate rear registration plate lamp to illuminate whenever the main beam headlamps or auxiliary lamps are on.

(c) taillights

1. Every motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer and post-trailer, and every other vehicle towed at the end of a vehicle train, shall be equipped with at least one rear-mounted position lamp which, when illuminated as prescribed, emits a red light which can be seen from a distance of 500 foot is clearly visible to the rear. When vehicles pull into a train, only the tail light of the rearmost vehicle needs to be seen from the specified distance.

2. Each taillight on each vehicle shall be at a height of no more than 60 inches and no less than 20 inches as measured in accordance with Section 32-5-242.

3. Every motor vehicle shall have a tail lamp or separate lamp so constructed and arranged as to illuminate the rear registration plate with white light and make it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Each tail lamp or tail lamp shall be wired together with any separate rear registration plate lamp to illuminate whenever the main beam headlamps or auxiliary lamps are on.

(d) Additional equipment required for certain vehicles

1. The rear of every bus or truck, regardless of size, must have: two red reflectors, one on each side, and a brake light.

2. On any bus or truck with an overall width of 80 inches or greater, in addition to the requirements in subsection (1):

• Two front marker lights, one on each side.
• Two rear marker lights, one on each side.
• Two side marker lights on each side, one on or near the front and one on or near the rear.
• Two reflectors on each side, one at or near the front and one at or near the back.

3. On each tractor unit:

• Two front marker lights, one on each side.
• Rear brake light.

4. On any trailer or semi-trailer with a gross vehicle weight greater than 3,000 pounds:

• Two front marker lights, one on each side.
• Two side marker lights on each side, one on or near the front and one on or near the rear.
• Two reflectors on each side, one at or near the front and one at or near the back.
• Two clearance lights at the rear, one on each side, plus two reflectors, one on each side, and a brake light.

5.On any bar trailer with a gross weight greater than 3,000 pounds gross weight:

• On each side, a side marker light and clearance light that can be combined to point forward, sideways, and backwards.
• On the back of the bar trailer or cargo, two reflectors, one on each side.

6. On each trailer, semi-trailer, or post-trailer with a gross vehicle weight of 3,000 pounds or less: Two reflectors on the back, one on each side. If the load or dimensions of a trailer or semi-trailer hide the brake light of the towing vehicle, the towed vehicle must also be equipped with a brake light.

(e) Lamps on other vehicles and equipment

All vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles and those for which special permits have been issued under Section 32-9-29 and which are not otherwise specifically required to be equipped with lamps, at the times specified in subsection (a) of this section shall be equipped with at least a lighted lamp or lantern emitting a white light visible from 500 feet in front of the vehicle and a lamp or lantern emitting a red light visible from 500 feet to the rear.

(f) Brake lights mandatory on new motor vehicles

It is unlawful for any person to sell a new motor vehicle, including a motorcycle or motor-powered bicycle, in that state or to any other persondrive the vehicle on highways unless equipped with a stop lamp that meets the requirements of Section 32-5-242.

(g) New motor vehicles must be fitted with reflectors

1. No new motor vehicle first sold on or after January 1, 1950, other than a tractor-trailer, motorcycle, or powered bicycle, may be operated on a highway unless the vehicle continues to travelat the rear, either as part of the taillights or separately, two red reflectors. Every motorcycle and motorized two-wheeler must have at least one reflector that meets the requirements ofthis department. Vehicles specifically provided for in subsection (d) of this section shall be fitted with reflectors in accordance with the requirements of this subsection.

2. These reflectors shall be mounted on the vehicle at a height of not less than 20 inches and not more than 60 inches as measured in accordance with subparagraph (a) of Section 32-5-242, shall be of such size and characteristics, and shall be so mounted Be able to see them from 300 feet at night.

(Acts 1927, Nr. 347, S. 348; Code 1940, T. 36, §40; Acts 1949, Nr. 517, S. 754, §10; Acts 1957, Nr. 414, S. 577; Acts 1993, Nr. 93-720, S. 1407, §1.)

2006 Alabama Code (Section 32-5-241) - Additional Permitted Lights on Vehicles

(a) Headlamps and auxiliary lamps

1.SPOT LAMPS. Each motor vehicle shall not be fitted with more than one headlamp and each headlamp, when switched on, shall be so directed and used when approaching another vehicle that NoA portion of the high intensity portion of the beam is directed to the left side of the extension of the vehicle's extreme left side, no more than 100 feet in front of the vehicle.

2.FOG LIGHTS. Each motor vehicle shall be equipped with not more than two fog lamps, mounted at the front at a height not less than 12 inches and not more than 30 inches above the level surface on which the vehicle is standing and directed so that at unladen vehicle no presence of the high-intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall extend 25 feet forward more than 4 inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it emanates.

3.ADDITIONAL DRIVING LIGHT. Each motor vehicle shall be equipped with not more than one auxiliary dipped-beam headlamp mounted at the front at a height not less than 24 inches and not more than 42 inches above the level surface on which the vehicle is standing, and each such auxiliary headlamp for Low beam must meet the requirements and restrictions listed in this chapter.

4.AUXILIARY DRIVING LIGHTS. Each motor vehicle shall be equipped with not more than one auxiliary main-beam headlamp mounted at the front at a height not less than 16 inches and not more than 42 inches above the level surface on which the vehicle rests, and each auxiliary main-beam headlamp must meet the requirements and limitations listed in this chapter.

(b) Signal lamps and signaling devices

1. Every motor vehicle may, and shall, where required by this subdivision, be fitted with the following signal lamps or devices:

• A rear brake light that emits a red or amber light and operates when the service (foot) brake is applied and may or may not be linked to a tail light.
• One or more lamps or mechanical signaling devices capable of clearly indicating any intention to turn to the right or left and shall be visible from both the front and rear.

2. A stop lamp shall be clearly visible and understandable from a distance of 100 feet to the rear in both normal sunlight and at night, and one or more signal lamps indicating intention to turn shall be clearly visible and understandable from a distance of 100 feet both during the day and at night forwards as well as backwards. If a vehicle is equipped with a stop lamp or other signal lamp, this lamp(s) must be kept in good working order at all times. No brake or signal lamp may emit bright or dazzling light.

3. All mechanical signaling devices shall be self-illuminating when in use at the time specified in subparagraph (a) of Section 32-5-240.

(c) Additional Lighting Equipment

1. Each motor vehicle shall be fitted with no more than two side panel or fender lamps, which shall emit an amber or white light without glare.

2. Each motor vehicle shall be fitted with no more than one footboard courtesy lamp on each side, which shall emit a glare-free white or amber light.

3. Each motor vehicle may be equipped with no more than two reversing lamps, either individually or in combination with other lamps, but such reversing lamps shall not be switched on when the motor vehicle is in forward motion.

(d) Special Restriction on Lamps

1. Any illuminated lamp or device on a motor vehicle, other than a headlamp, driving lamp, auxiliary lamp or flashing front direction indicator, which projects a beam of light with an intensity exceeding 300 candlepower shall be so directed that no part of the beam is at a distance more than 75 feet from the vehicle to the lane level on which the vehicle is parked.

2. No one may drive or move any vehicle or equipment on a highway that has a lamp or device on it that displays a red light visible directly ahead of the middle of the road. This section does not apply to approved emergency vehicles.

3. Each vehicle may be equipped with flashing lights which may be used to warn drivers of other vehicles of a hazard in the road which must exercise unusual caution in approaching, overtaking or being overtaken and, if so equipped, may display such a warning in addition to any other warning signals required by this section. The lamps used to display such a forward warning shall be positioned at the same level and as far to the side as possible, while flashing white or amber, or any shade of color between white and amber.

The lights used to display such a rear warning shall be level and as far to the side as possible and shall simultaneously display flashing lights of amber or red or any shade of amber to red. These warning lights must be visible at night from a distance of at least 1,500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions.

4. Flashing lights may be used on motor vehicles to indicate a right or left turn; a stop lamp may pulse at varying intensities provided that it meets the requirements of subsection (2) of subsection (b) of this Section at all intensities; and emergency vehicle warning lights may flash.

(Acts 1927, Nr. 347, S. 348; Code 1940, T. 36, §41; Acts 1949, No. 517, S. 754, §11; Acts 1961, Ex. Sess., No. 136, p. 2062, §3; Acts 1965, Nr. 815, S. 1522.)

2006 Alabama Code (Section 32-5-242) - Requirements for high beam headlamps and auxiliary lamps

(a) Visibility and mounting height of lamps

1. Where there is hereinafter stated a requirement as to the distance from which certain lamps and appliances must render objects visible, or within which such lamps or appliances must be visible, those provisions shall apply during the times specified in Section 32-5-240 with respect to an unladen vehicle on a straight, level, unlit road under normal atmospheric conditions, unless a different time or condition is expressly stated.

2. In the following, when there are requirements for the mounting height of lamps or devices, this means from the center of this lamp or device to the levelGround on which the vehicle stands unloaded.

(b) Multi-beam street lighting equipment

1. There shall be a top light pattern or composite beam directed and of such intensity that persons and vehicles are discernible at a distance of at least 350Feet ahead for all loading conditions.

2. There shall be a bottom light distribution or composite beam directed and of sufficient intensity to make persons and vehicles visible at least 100 feet ahead; and on a straight, level road, under all loading conditions, none of the high-intensity portions of the beam must be directed to strike the eyes of an oncoming driver.

3. Every new motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or two-wheeler hereinafter registered in this State and having a multi-beam street lighting system, shall be equipped with a bar indicator which illuminates whenever the uppermost light pattern is used by the headlamps and must not be illuminated in any other way. This display shall be so designed and located that when it is switched on it is clearly visible to the driver of the vehicle so equipped without causing any glare.

(c) Use of multi-beam street lighting systems

1. When a driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, that driver must use a light distribution or composite beam directed so that the glare is not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver. The lowest light distribution or composite light cone is considered glare-free at all times, regardless of road contour and load.

2. Whenever the driver of a vehicle is following another vehicle within 200 feet of the rear, except when overtaking and overtaking, that driver must use a splitof light permitted under that department.

(d) single beam street lighting equipment

1. The headlamps shall be so directed that, when the vehicle is unladen, none of the high intensity portions of the light are more than 5 inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it emanates and at a distance of 25 feet forward in no event more than 42 inches above the level on which the vehicle is 75 feet ahead.

2. Intensity must be sufficient to detect people and vehicles at least 200 feet away.

(e) Lighting devices on motorized bicycles

1. Each headlight or headlights of a motorized bicycle must be of sufficient intensity to detect a person or vehicle at least 100 feet away when the motorized bicycle is being operated at a speed of less than 25 miles per hour; at a distance of not less than 200 feet if the motorized bicycle is operated at a speed of 25 or more miles per hour but less than 35 miles per hour; and at a distance of 300 feet when the motorized bicycle is operated at a speed of 35 miles per hour or more.

2. If the motorized two-wheeler is equipped with one or more headlights with multiple light cones, the high beam must meet the above minimum requirements and notexceed the limits set forth in subsection (2) of subsection (b) of this Section.

3. If the powered two-wheeler is equipped with one or more single-beam lamps, such lamp or lamps must be oriented in such a way that, when the vehicle is laden, no part of the high-intensity light component at a distance of 25 meters ahead must be higher than the level of the center of the lamp stand out from where it comes.

(f) Alternative street lighting equipment

Any motor vehicle may be operated under the conditions specified in subsection (a) of Section 32-5-240 if it is equipped with two illuminated front lamps which are used in place of those specified in subsection (b) or subsection (d) of this section; provided that at no time should it be operated at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour.

(g) Color of position lamps, side marker lamps and reflectors

1. Front position lamps and position lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or side near the front of the vehicle must be amber in color or reflective.

2. Tail and position lamps and retro-reflectors fitted to the rear or sides near the rear of a vehicle shall be red in color or reflective.

3. All lighting devices and reflectors fitted to the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red colour, with the exception of a brake light or other signaling device, which may be red, amber or amber, and with the exception of a light used to illuminate a number plate or a reversing lamp emitted light must be white.

(h) Installation of reflectors, clearance lights and side marker lights

1. Reflectors must be mounted no less than 24 inches and no higher than 60 inches above the floor on which thevehicle stands; except that if the highest portion of the permanent structure of the vehicle is less than 24 inches, the reflector shall be mounted at that point as high as that portion of the permanent structure will permit.

The rear reflectors of a pole trailer can be fitted on either side of the frame or load.

Any mandatory red retro-reflector at the rear of a vehicle may be fitted in the rear position lamp, but such retro-reflector shall meet all other retro-reflector requirements of this Chapter.

2. Position lamps shall be fitted to the vehicle's fixed structure in such a way that their extreme width is indicated and as close as possible to their top edge. Side marker lamps and side marker lamps may be fitted in combination provided that the lighting required herein is provided in relation to both.

(i) Visibility of retro-reflectors, position lights and marker lights.

1. Every reflector on every vehicle must be sized, constructed and maintained so that it is clearly visible at nightfrom any distance within 500 feet to 50 feet of the vehicle when directly ahead of the lawful high beam headlights. Reflectors that must be fitted to the sides of the vehicle must reflect the required color of light to the sides and those fitted to the rear must reflect a red color to the rear.

2. Front and rear position lamps shall be visible and distinguishable within 500 feet of the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively, under normal atmospheric conditions at the times when lights are required.

3. Side marker lamps shall be capable of being seen and distinguished under normal atmospheric conditions where lights are required at a distance of 500 feet from the side of the vehicle to which they are fitted.

(Acts 1927, Nr. 347, S. 348; Code 1940, T. 36, §42; Acts 1949, Nr. 517, S. 754, §12; Acts 1955, Nr. 273, S. 621, §1. )