Vermont § 1243 - Lights

Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 1243 — Lights, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1243. Lights

  • (a) A motor vehicle, except a motorcycle and motor-driven cycle, in use or at rest on
    a highway, unless otherwise provided, during the period from 30 minutes after sunset
    to 30 minutes before sunrise, shall also be equipped with at least two lighted head
    lamps of substantially the same intensity and with reflectors and lenses of a design
    approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and with a lighted tail or rear lamp
    of a design so approved. A motorcycle or motor-driven cycle may be operated during
    the period mentioned if equipped with at least one lighted head lamp and at least
    one lighted tail or rear lamp, both of a design approved by the Commissioner of Motor
    Vehicles. A sidecar attached to such motorcycle or motor-driven cycle shall be equipped
    with a light on the right side of such sidecar visible from the front thereof. A person
    shall not operate a motor vehicle during the period mentioned unless it is equipped
    as defined in this section. (b) Every vehicle upon a highway within this State, at any time from 30 minutes after
    sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient
    light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons or vehicles on the highway are
    not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead, shall display lighted lamps
    and illuminating devices as respectively required for different classes of vehicles,
    subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles. (c) Local ordinances adopted by the legislative bodies of municipalities govern within
    their respective municipalities with relation to the use of lights at night on motor
    vehicles at rest or in motion on well-lighted streets. Stop lights, turn signals,
    and other signaling devices shall be lighted as prescribed for their use. (Amended 1971, No. 258 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. March 1, 1973; 1977, No. 20, § 7; 2009, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 19j, eff. Sept. 1, 2010; 2025, No. 18, § 42, eff. May 13, 2025.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 1243

What does Vermont Statutes Online § 1243 cover?

Section 1243 ("Lights") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Vermont § 1243?

A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 1243" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Vermont law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.

How does Vermont § 1243 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.