Yes, driving with interior lights on is legal in Chile under Decreto Supremo N°170/2016, which regulates vehicle lighting. Interior lights may be used when parked or in low-light conditions, but their use while driving is not explicitly prohibited unless they impair visibility or distract other drivers. The Comisión Nacional de Seguridad de Tránsito (CONASET) has not issued a specific ban, though reckless use could lead to fines under Ley de Tránsito N°18.290 for hazardous driving.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Chile
- Lighting Standards (DS 170/2016): Interior lights must not exceed brightness levels that reduce the driver’s ability to perceive external hazards or distract other road users.
- Distraction Clause (Ley 18.290): Article 76 penalizes driving behaviors that compromise safety, including improper use of interior lighting that may hinder visibility or cause confusion.
- Local Enforcement: Municipal traffic authorities and Carabineros may issue fines (CLP 1–5 UTM, ~$80–$400) if interior lights are deemed to create unsafe conditions, particularly in urban areas like Santiago or Valparaíso.
Note: As of 2024, CONASET is reviewing updates to lighting regulations for 2026, potentially tightening standards for non-standard lighting use. Drivers should monitor official advisories to avoid compliance risks.