Are you using your Windshield Wipers? Better Turn on Your Headlights!

Have You Heard! There was a new law passed on January 7th of this year that takes effect on April 7th. This new law requires that drivers turn on their headlights WHENEVER the weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers.

The new law includes what is called a minimal fine, but the trick is the state Safe Driver Insurance Plan has now added this new law to their list of violations. What that means is this citation not only requires you to pay a small fine, but it also goes on your driving record, which changes your SDIP merit rating and goes on your driving record, leading to….

A potential INCREASE of your auto insurance rate!

Here is a copy of the new law:

“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:

Section 15 of chapter 85 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2012 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the first sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:— A vehicle, whether stationary or in motion, on a public way, shall have attached to it headlights and taillights which shall be turned on by the vehicle operator and so displayed as to be visible from the front and rear during the period of 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise; provided, however, that such headlights and taillights shall be turned on by the vehicle operator at all other times when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, visibility is reduced such that persons or vehicles on the roadway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet or when the vehicle’s windshield wipers are needed; provided further, that this section shall not apply to a vehicle which is designed to be propelled by hand; and provided further, that a vehicle carrying hay or straw for the purpose of transporting persons on a hayride shall display only electrically operated lights which shall be 2 flashing amber lights to the front and 2 flashing red lights to the rear, each of which shall be at least 6 inches in diameter and mounted 6 feet from the ground.

Approved, January 7, 2015.”*

Now – for those of you with daytime running lights, as you can see that is not enough, because the law specifically states that both the headlights AND tail-lights need to be turned on.

Remember:

Windshield Wipers = Headlights. Be Sure to turn them on.

Sanviti Insurance is a local Trusted Choice® agency that represents multiple insurance companies, so it offers you a variety of personal and business coverage choices and can customize an insurance plan to meet your personal or business needs. You can visit Sanviti Insurance online at www.SanvitiAgency.com or call it at 617-389-2020.

*March 22, 2015 by Owen Gallagher - http://agencychecklists.com/2015/03/22/new-surchargeable-violation-for-n...