MCADENVILLE, N.C. — McAdenville, also known as Christmastown USA, draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
It was actually named one of the most festive towns in the country for its amazing light display. But one social media post is suggesting a technique that can help people see the lights better. The only issue? It may not be legal.
A post on Facebook, which is sparking a lot of debate, is asking drivers to cut off their headlights at night to better view the lights at McAdenville.
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
No, it is not legal to cut off your headlights at night to better view the lights at McAdenville.
WHAT WE FOUND
According to McAdenville’s website, last year alone, the spectacular light display drew in more than 600,000 visitors. Many of those, driving through the neighborhood display.
But before you turn off your headlights at night, criminal law attorney Ryan Ames says not so fast.
“Generally wouldn't advise anyone to do it for a couple of reasons," Ames said. "The first is the safety reason and the second is that you may get a ticket for it.”
North Carolina law states all vehicles must have their headlights on from sunset to sunrise.
"And so the whole purpose of having headlights, and having a law that enforces it is the safety of everybody," Ames said.
Along with vehicle traffic, McAdenville also brings a lot of foot traffic. So Ames says a cars’ headlights are not only for your safety, but the pedestrians’ as well.
“That's going to be both driving and walking, when there's a lot of distractions with all these Christmas lights everywhere in particular," he said. “You could face serious felony charges if you seriously injured somebody.”
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