Light problems

Check the 12v battery. When they start to fail.. will cause all sorts of weird system wide issues.
Battery is in the cargo area back passenger side. Under the carpet.
Take out removable cargo tray, take out large black center tray, remove little cover on the right side. Battery is under there.
You can have it load tested at a auto parts store.. usually.
People on here suggest to stay away from the Optima batteries.
You want a decent quality AGM battery.
Probably $150-200.
So definitely get it tested.

There is a ground cable back there from battery to the body . Check that and all other connection around there. See if something is loose or corroded.
Any of that could cause a weird issue.
Good luck.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Marge,

I am a strong proponent of fixing the obvious first. If your 12v battery is original to the car, now would be a very good time to change it. Summer heat is just as hard on a battery as the coldest days of winter. At ten years old, it's had a good life, it's time to retire it. It WILL leave you stranded at the most inconvenient time possible. With AAA, you're just losing time, without it, your wallet will be empty about $200 for a tow. Replace it ASAP to eliminate that headache.

Your other light system symptoms may or may not resolve. License plate bulbs very commonly burn out. They're easy to replace. Many auto parts stores like AutoZone and Advance will install them for free when you purchase the bulbs.

Once you're confident all the bulbs are good (headlight/signals/brakes/etc), it would be time to evaluate other items if you're still having problems. This could be caused by a multi-function switch going bad. That's the switch on your steering column that operates tun signals and headlights. That is not a common problem, but it does happen.