Is the boot light only meant to come on with the headlights on?

I've noticed that the light in the boot of my 93 Cabriolet only works when the headlights are on. Is this by design or an electrical gremlin?

Yes.

Yes that normal, there should also be a little switch (same as door light switch) near the boot lid which switches the light off when you close the boot.  

mark1gls said

Yes that normal, there should also be a little switch (same as door light switch) near the boot lid which switches the light off when you close the boot.  

Good to know, but weird design choice by VW. If I'm parking somewhere at night I would stop the car, turn off the lights, lock the door then retrieve whatever it is from the boot in the dark.

I would say it is rather a good idea to do that s you wouldn't want to drain a battery if the switch is misaligned or wonky.