A device for improving the visibility conditions in a motor vehicle has a radiation source for infrared radiation for irradiating the surroundings of the vehicle, an infrared-sensitive camera for taking images of at least part of the irradiated surroundings, a display unit for displaying collected image data, and a control unit for controlling the device. The control unit is configured in such a way that the display is switched off after a predefined time period t has expired. This device ensures very safe operation for the user.