North Dakota Drivers, Let’s Talk About Headlights

To all you folks who sometimes hit the road without flicking on your headlights, let's have a little chat.

It's not just about safety; it's also about keeping our cool. Trust me, it's a real pet peeve, especially when Mother Nature is throwing fog or snow our way, making it super hard to spot you.

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I've been seeing more and more drivers cruising in the early morning without their headlights on. I've even tried flashing my own headlights to give them the hint, but it seems like they're in their own world.

This issue isn't limited to mornings; it happens during foggy or snowy days when, honestly, having those headlights on should be a no-brainer, even when the sun's up. I've always wondered why some drivers forget such a basic safety thing, but I think I've figured it out.

Back in the day, when you started your car at night, the dashboard stayed dark until you flipped the headlight switch. Nowadays, with modern cars, the dashboard lights up the moment you fire up the engine. So, it's easy for people to zoom off, especially in well-lit areas, without realizing their headlights are still snoozing.

It's not just a matter of safety or courtesy; it's the law here in North Dakota. According to North Dakota Century Code 39-21-01:

 "Headlights are a must from sunset to sunrise. Plus, they're mandatory on farm vehicles cruising the highways from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise."

Whether it's pouring rain, heavy snow, thick fog, or even hail, if the conditions are so bad that folks can't see your ride from a thousand feet away, those headlights need to shine. Headlights are your sidekicks during lousy weather.

Now, for those of you who want the nitty-gritty details, the North Dakota Highway Patrol has got your back with a bunch of Frequently Asked Questions, which you can check out on their website: Frequently Asked Questions | North Dakota State Highway Patrol.

So, let's do everyone a solid and keep those headlights on when it's time.