How do I completely turn off my headlights?
To completely turn off headlights, use your vehicle's headlight control to the Off position or disable Auto headlights in the vehicle's settings. In many modern cars, daytime running lights may stay on even when the headlights are off, and some jurisdictions require lights to be on during the day. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific instructions and comply with local laws.
Identify your headlight control type
Automakers use different systems to control headlights. The most common are a dash-mounted rotary switch and a steering-column stalk. Some vehicles also offer a separate automatic mode that governs when lights come on. Knowing which control your car uses will guide the steps you take to switch everything off.
Dash-mounted rotary headlight switch
These switches are common on older models and some newer ones. They use a rotating dial with positions such as Off, Parking, On, and sometimes Auto. To turn lights off completely, set the dial to Off and verify no other lighting modes are active.
- Turn the headlight dial to the Off position (often marked with an O or a dash symbol).
- Ensure the ignition is in the appropriate position for your car; in some models, the lights may re-engage if the engine is running even after you select Off.
- If there is a separate Parking or Parking Lights position, confirm that you are not in that mode.
- Remember that fog lights may be controlled by a separate switch; turning them off does not affect the headlights, but it helps reduce exterior lighting overall.
With the dial set to Off, verify that exterior lights are off by checking the headlamps themselves and the instrument panel indicators. If DRLs are still active, consult the manual for model-specific behavior, since some cars keep DRLs on even when the main headlights are off.
Steering-column stalk headlight controls
Many vehicles use a stalk on the left side of the steering column to manage headlights. Modes typically include Auto, Off, Parking, and On. To completely disable headlights, move the stalk to the Off position and confirm that the indicator lights reflect that choice.
- Rotate or push the end of the stalk to the Off position (the exact action varies by model).
- If Auto is set, switch it to Off to prevent automatic activation.
- Some cars require cycling through modes (Auto → Parking → On → Off) until Off is reached; continue until Off is displayed.
- Check for separate controls for fog lights; these can be off while the headlights are off, but they won’t illuminate the road if the main lights are off.
After setting the stalk to Off, re-check that all exterior lights are off. If you have a push-button start, ensure the ignition is fully off, because some vehicles keep exterior lighting active for a short period after shutdown.
Automatic headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs): what to know
In many modern cars, automatic headlights or DRLs turn on based on ambient light or ignition status. If you want to disable them, you may need to adjust settings in the vehicle’s infotainment or driver-assist menus. Some models do not allow a full Off state for DRLs while driving, due to safety and legal requirements in certain regions.
DRLs and automatic lighting behavior can vary by market and model, so consult your owner’s manual or dealer for steps specific to your car. If you must park with minimal lighting, follow the steps above to disable the primary headlights and turn off auxiliary lighting where permitted.
- Look in Settings > Lighting (or Vehicle > Lighting) for options like Auto Headlights or DRL toggles and set them to Off if available.
- Note that some cars require the ignition to be in a certain position to modify lighting settings, so follow on-screen prompts or the manual.
- Be aware that in many regions DRLs are mandatory during daytime; turning them off while driving may be illegal.
Disabling automatic lighting features can affect safety and compliance. If you must park in darkness, use the manual controls to turn off headlights where allowed, and re-enable them before driving again.
Safety and legal considerations
Driving with no exterior lighting is unsafe and, in many places, illegal. Daytime running lights, parking lights, or other minimal lighting may still be required by law in some jurisdictions. If you’re unsure, refer to your owner’s manual or contact a dealer to understand the correct and legal procedure for your specific vehicle model.
Summary
To completely turn off headlights, identify whether your car uses a dash dial or a steering-column stalk and set it to Off. If you have automatic headlights or DRLs, you may need to access vehicle settings to disable Auto mode or DRLs, while understanding legal and safety constraints. Always verify lights are off after making changes and consult your manual for model-specific instructions.
