Do Honda Civics Have Auto Lights?

Yes—most recent Honda Civics come with automatic headlights, and newer models also include automatic high-beam functionality as standard. Broadly, Civics from the mid-2010s onward offer some form of “auto lights,” while availability on older trims varies. Below is a breakdown of what “auto lights” means, which model years and trims include them, how to tell if your car has them, and how to use and adjust the features.

What “auto lights” means on a Honda Civic

“Auto lights” typically refers to lighting systems that turn on or adjust themselves without driver input. In the Civic lineup, that usually includes:

• Automatic on/off headlights: A light sensor switches the headlights and taillights on in low light and off in daylight.
• Automatic High-Beam (AHB) headlights: The car automatically toggles between high and low beams based on traffic and lighting conditions.
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL): Lights that stay on whenever the car is running to enhance visibility.

Together, these features reduce the need for manual headlight operation, improve nighttime visibility, and help drivers comply with lighting laws in changing conditions.

Which Honda Civics have auto lights?

Availability depends on model year and trim. Here’s a concise timeline to help you understand what your Civic likely has from the factory.

• 2022–2025 (11th generation): Automatic on/off headlights and Auto High-Beam are standard across all trims as part of Honda Sensing; LED headlights are standard.
• 2019–2021 (10th generation refresh): Honda Sensing became standard on most Civic body styles, making Auto High-Beam widely standard; automatic on/off headlights were standard or near-universal across trims.
• 2016–2018 (early 10th generation): Automatic on/off headlights were common and often standard; Auto High-Beam was included when the car was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite (standard on some trims, optional on others).
• 2012–2015 (9th generation): Availability varied by trim and market. Higher trims (e.g., EX/EX-L) were more likely to have automatic on/off headlights; Auto High-Beam was generally not available or rare.
• Before 2012: Auto-on headlights were limited to select higher trims or packages in certain markets; many base models did not include them.

If you’re unsure about a specific vehicle, check the window sticker (Monroney), the owner’s manual, or the “Vehicle Settings” menu in the infotainment system for lighting options—these will confirm what’s onboard.

How to tell if your Civic has auto lights

You can confirm the feature with a few quick checks.

• Look at the headlight stalk: An “AUTO” position indicates automatic on/off headlights.
• Check for the AHB indicator: With the headlight switch in AUTO and the high-beam lever pushed forward, a green headlight icon with an “A” in the cluster signals Auto High-Beam readiness.
• Open the infotainment settings: Navigate to Settings > Vehicle > Lighting. Options like “Auto Light Sensitivity,” “Headlight Auto-Off Timer,” and “Auto High-Beam” indicate auto-light capability.
• Owner’s manual confirmation: The Lighting or Instruments section will list the exact features by trim and market.

These indicators are the simplest way to verify the presence and status of automatic lighting features without specialized tools.

How to use and adjust auto lights

Operation is straightforward, and you can fine-tune behavior in the settings menu.

1. Automatic on/off headlights: Turn the headlight switch to AUTO. The system uses a sensor to switch lights on at dusk, in tunnels, or in dim garages, and off in daylight.
2. Auto High-Beam: Ensure the headlight switch is in AUTO, then push the high-beam lever forward. A green “A” high-beam icon should appear, and the car will toggle high/low beams as conditions allow.
3. Adjust sensitivity and timers: In Settings > Vehicle > Lighting, you can usually set “Auto Light Sensitivity” (how quickly lights come on) and “Headlight Auto-Off Timer” (how long lights stay on after shutdown).
4. Temporary override: You can always manually select headlights or high beams via the stalk if conditions warrant.

Once set, the system requires little attention, though it’s wise to revisit settings after software updates or battery disconnects, which can reset preferences.

Conditions and limitations to keep in mind

Auto lights depend on sensors and environmental factors, so performance can vary.

• Sensor obstruction: Dirt, stickers, or dash covers over the light sensor, or a dirty windshield near the camera, can impair performance.
• Ambient lighting quirks: Streetlights, reflective signs, fog, snow, or oncoming vehicle types (e.g., bikes without bright headlights) may affect Auto High-Beam decisions.
• Wipers and weather: Heavy rain, fog, or bright daylight with deep shadows can lead to earlier or later headlight activation than you expect; adjust sensitivity if your model allows.
• Regulatory differences: Feature availability and behavior can vary by country and trim; always defer to your vehicle’s manual.

If the system behaves inconsistently, clean relevant sensors, verify settings, and consult the manual. Persistent issues may warrant dealer diagnosis.

Can you retrofit auto lights to an older Civic?

While aftermarket kits exist, Honda does not generally support retrofitting factory-style automatic headlights or Auto High-Beam into trims that didn’t ship with them. Adding OEM-grade functionality typically requires sensors, wiring, and software integration, which can be cost-prohibitive. Aftermarket automatic headlight modules are available but may not match factory reliability or integration.

Summary

Most modern Honda Civics—especially from 2016 onward—offer automatic on/off headlights, and from 2019 (widespread) and all 2022+ models, Auto High-Beam is standard as part of Honda Sensing. To confirm on your car, look for an “AUTO” position on the headlight stalk, check for the green “A” high-beam icon, and review Lighting settings in the infotainment system or the owner’s manual. Properly set, auto lights enhance convenience and visibility with minimal driver input.

Does the Honda Civic have adaptive headlights?

The new Civic Advance features Adaptive Driving Beam headlights that can individually control each headlight to maintain a wide and distant spread of light without dazzling other traffic or pedestrians.

Does Honda have automatic headlights?

Press the lamp icon and a menu will indicate four lighting options the default position is in auto headlights can be turned off or on manually or the parking lights can be selected.

Does the Honda Civic have auto headlights?

The headlights come on when you unlock a door in dark areas with the headlight switch in AUTO. Turn on all exterior lights including headlights. Turn fog lights*1 on or off. The front sensor camera detects the light sources ahead of the vehicle such as the lights of a preceding or oncoming vehicle, or street lights.
PDF

Do my headlights automatically turn on?

Yes, many modern vehicles have automatic headlights, which utilize sensors to detect ambient light and automatically turn the headlights on or off. These sensors are typically located on the dashboard or near the windshield. When the light level falls below a certain threshold, such as during dusk, entering a tunnel, or in rainy conditions, the headlights will activate. 
Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• Automatic Headlight Functionality: Automatic headlights are designed to enhance visibility and safety by ensuring headlights are on when needed, without requiring the driver to manually switch them on or off. 
• Light Sensors: These systems rely on light sensors that measure the amount of light in the surrounding environment. 
• Activation Criteria: When the sensors detect low light conditions, they send a signal to the vehicle’s computer, which then activates the headlights. 
• Convenience and Safety: Automatic headlights offer convenience by reducing the need for manual operation and contribute to overall safety by ensuring visibility in low-light situations. 
• Additional Features: Some vehicles may also offer automatic high beams, which can further enhance visibility in certain situations. 

This video demonstrates how the automatic headlight system functions and how it can be manually overridden: 48sHondaYouTube · Jun 28, 2022