Accidents involving a driver whose lights were not on when they should have been raise serious questions about fault. In Illinois, it is illegal to drive at night without headlights. Someone who hits another driver whose headlights were not on may not be entirely liable for the accident. However, how fault is assigned depends on the circumstances of each case.
If you were involved in this kind of crash in 2026, a Kendall County personal injury lawyer can help you understand what factors will be considered in your case.
Is Someone Driving Without Headlights Automatically at Fault for an Accident in Illinois?
Driving without headlights on at night does not automatically put the driver at fault for an accident, but it can weigh heavily against them. Illinois law under 625 ILCS 5/12-201 requires drivers to use their headlights from sunset to sunrise, when weather conditions require windshield wipers, and whenever people or vehicles cannot be clearly seen from 1,000 feet away.