No, driving with interior lights on is illegal in China under the Road Traffic Safety Law and Public Security Traffic Management Regulations, as it obstructs visibility and distracts drivers. Local police enforce fines up to ¥200 for violations.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in China
- Visibility Mandate (Article 22): The Road Traffic Safety Law requires vehicles to maintain clear exterior visibility; interior lights impair this, violating Article 22’s “unobstructed view” clause.
- Distraction Prohibition (Article 62): The Public Security Traffic Management Regulations (2023 amendment) explicitly prohibit any lighting or device that may distract the driver, including interior lights.
- Local Enforcement (2026 Compliance Shift): Municipal traffic authorities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have intensified patrols under the 2026 “Zero Tolerance for Distractions” initiative, issuing real-time fines via AI traffic cameras.
Non-compliance risks penalties under the People’s Republic of China Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations, with repeat offenses escalating to demerit points. Vehicles with malfunctioning interior light switches must be repaired immediately to avoid liability in accidents.