Today's cars have automated lighting systems. Under normal circumstances, they work well. At star parties, however, problems  can occur. Let's say the sun has gone down, and you remember  leaving some gizmo in your car. You open the trunk or door and white lights go on. Oops! People around you are screaming because you've just ruined their night vision and/or long exposure picture. Here's a simple solution. There are knife switches available for hooking to your car battery.  After parking your car, simply open the switch to prevent any automatic features from turning on any of your lights. Yes, you might have to reset your radio and/or clock. That's a small price to pay for keeping the peace with your fellow astronomers.