No vehicle shall be driven at any time with the parking lamps lighted except when the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps or when the headlamps are also lighted.
Lighting EquipmentParking Lamps
Section § 24800
You can't drive a vehicle with only the parking lights on. The parking lights should only be on if you are using them as turn signals or if your headlights are also on.
parking lamps driving restrictions turn signal lamps
Section § 24801
This law defines parking lamps as lights that are allowed by another specific law (Section 25106) or any lights placed on the front of a vehicle, mainly meant to be used when the vehicle is parked.
Parking lamps are those lamps permitted by Section 25106, or any lamps mounted on the front of a vehicle, designed to be displayed primarily when the vehicle is parked.
parking lamps vehicle lights front of vehicle
Section § 24802
This law says that vehicles don't need to have their lights on if they're parked in certain situations. If your car is parked off the road and not causing a danger, you don't need lights. Cars parked close to a curb, within 18 inches, also don't need lights, whether you're in a business or residential area.
No lights need be displayed upon a vehicle which is:
(a)CA Vehicle Code § 24802(a) Parked off the roadway and not in a hazardous position on the highway; or
(b)CA Vehicle Code § 24802(b) Parked with a wheel within 18 inches of a curb; or
(c)CA Vehicle Code § 24802(c) Parked within a business or residence district with a wheel within 18 inches of a curb or edge of the roadway.
vehicle lights parked vehicles roadway safety
