NEW State Headlights Law Goes Into Effect Tuesday

The state’s new law requiring motorists to use headlights and taillights during inclement weather and when windshield wipers, goes into effect today, April 7.

The law is intended to increase safety and visibility of vehicles on the Commonwealth’s roadway, according to state officials. The changes were signed into law in January.

Front and rear motor vehicle lights be activated in all of the following conditions:

• When windshield wipers are on.
• When low light or weather conditions prevent other vehicles or persons from being seen at 500-feet.
• From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.
• Relying on daytime running lights for these conditions is not sufficient under the law. A violation of this law is considered a surchargeable minor motor vehicle traffic law violation for insurance purposes.

Information provided by MassDOT.