Yes, Minnesota Statutes § 169.48, Subd. 11 prohibits driving with interior lights illuminated if they impair the driver’s view or distract other motorists. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces this under its 2026 “Visibility and Distraction Compliance Initiative,” targeting unsafe lighting practices.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Minnesota
- Visibility Impairment Standard: Minn. Stat. § 169.48 mandates that interior lights must not obstruct the driver’s forward or rearward view, per DPS Traffic Safety Division guidance.
- Distraction Prohibition: Under Minn. R. 7410.0500, interior lighting that creates glare or diverts attention from the road violates distracted driving statutes, enforceable by local law enforcement.
- Commercial Vehicle Exemptions: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations preempt state rules for interstate CMV operators, but intrastate drivers must comply with Minnesota’s stricter standards.
Local jurisdictions, including the Minneapolis Police Department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit, actively cite violations during nighttime patrols. Courts assess each case individually, considering factors like ambient light and vehicle speed. Violations carry a petty misdemeanor charge, punishable by fines up to $1,000 under Minn. Stat. § 169.89.