Drive-ins are low-key by nature. There’s no usher telling you what to do. But there are some unwritten rules that keep things enjoyable for everyone. Most of it comes down to common sense.
Turn Off Your Headlights
This is the big one. When you park, turn your headlights off. Daytime running lights too. If your car has automatic headlights, switch them to manual off. Nothing ruins the experience faster than a pair of headlights shining at the screen or into someone’s eyes.
If you need to leave during the movie, turn your parking lights on (not headlights) and drive slowly. Wait until intermission if you can.
Keep Your Phone Screen Dark
Your phone screen is a bright rectangle in a dark field. Other people can see it. If you need to check your phone, keep the brightness low and don’t hold it up. Better yet, put it away and watch the movie.
Don’t Rev Your Engine or Honk
Some people honk after a good scene. It’s annoying to everyone around you. Don’t idle your car loudly either. If you need to start your engine to charge the battery, do it during intermission and keep it brief.
Park Considerately
Most drive-ins let you park wherever you want, but use some sense:
- Big vehicles go in the back. Trucks, SUVs, and vans should park toward the rear so they don’t block the view for sedans behind them.
- Don’t open your hatch or tailgate. It blocks the view for people behind you. If you want to sit in the back of your SUV, back into your spot and face the screen from the cargo area.
- Stay in your own space. Don’t spread out with chairs and blankets into the next parking spot.
Volume Control
Keep your radio volume reasonable. You should be able to hear the movie clearly, but the people in the next car shouldn’t be hearing your speakers from 30 feet away. If you’re using an external Bluetooth speaker, keep it pointed toward you and at a moderate volume.
Don’t blast music before the movie. People are settling in and the vibe is quiet anticipation, not a parking lot tailgate.
Clean Up After Yourself
Drive-ins are outdoor venues. Trash on the ground is ugly and makes more work for a small staff. Bring a bag for your trash and take it to the bins when you leave. If you’re eating outside, pick up your napkins, cups, and wrappers.
Kids and Pets
If you brought kids, keep them close. Many drive-ins have a playground area under the screen for before the show, but once the movie starts, kids should be in or near your car, not running through the lot.
Dogs should stay on a leash and quiet. If your dog barks through the movie, the people around you won’t appreciate it. Not all drive-ins allow pets, so check our directory for specific theater policies.
The Golden Rule
The whole experience depends on everyone being considerate. Lights off, volume reasonable, trash picked up, and awareness that there are other people around you trying to enjoy the same movie. That’s it.
Have questions about what to expect? Check our FAQ for answers to the most common drive-in questions.
