I live in Oregon and I don't think it's a law to have your headlights on. I sometimes wonder why it isn't. I drive a 2010 Subaru Outback and the lights come on automatically - if I have it set that way. I have never looked at the backend to see if those light up when set to auto - but on a rainy, grey day I just turn them all on - my car is dark grey and I want to be SEEN!