Traffic Q&A: Driving with dome light on not illegal

Question: My 7-year-old was trying to read in the car tonight and wanted to turn on the dome light so he could see the words. My 5-year-old said, “No, you can’t do that. It’s illegal for Dad to drive when you have the dome light on.” I have always told that to my kids and believed it growing up, but is it true?

RANDY MCCARTHY; Staff writer

Published: 12/12/11 12:05 am | Updated: 12/12/11 6:18 am

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Question: My 7-year-old was trying to read in the car tonight and wanted to turn on the dome light so he could see the words. My 5-year-old said, “No, you can’t do that. It’s illegal for Dad to drive when you have the dome light on.” I have always told that to my kids and believed it growing up, but is it true? -- Jeremy Foust, Eatonville

Answer: No. Keeping the dome light off while you’re driving is a good idea, but it’s not required by law, said Washington State Patrol spokesman Guy Gill.

“If it in any way hinders your visibility through glare, then it’s not recommended,” he said. “It’s never a good idea to have a dome light on because it can affect the driver’s ability to see the road, but it’s not illegal.”

Randy McCarthy: 253-597-8277
randy.mccarthy@thenewstribune.com

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