The Equipment Stop
Fla. Stat. 316.217 — sunset to sunrise including the twilight hours, and during any rain, smoke, or fog
When. Every vehicle operated on a highway displays lighted lamps and illuminating devices at any time from sunset to sunrise, including the twilight hours, and during any rain, smoke, or fog. Twilight hours are the time between sunset and full night, or between full night and sunrise.
The penalty for the lights. A violation of the section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation.
The taillamps. At least two taillamps on the rear emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 1,000 feet to the rear. An object, material, or covering that alters a taillamp's visibility from 1,000 feet may not be placed over it.
The plate lamp. A taillamp or a separate lamp illuminates the rear registration plate with a white light and renders it clearly legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear, wired to be lighted whenever the headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted. A violation of the taillamp section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation.
Other equipment the code requires, from brakes to mirrors, is set out in other sections that are not on this page. Whether a lamp was out, or the conditions called for lights, is a question of fact, and whether a stop on that basis was lawful is a question for a licensed Florida attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Fla. Stat. 316.217 — When lighted lamps are required
- Fla. Stat. 316.221 — Taillamps, and the registration plate lamp
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Florida attorney.