New Headlight Law Takes Effect
(Published in the Spring/Summer of 2007 Newsletter)
A recent revision to the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code requires a driver to turn on his headlights when the weather requires the use of windshield wipers. Whether on intermittent or a continuous setting, if the weather requires you to use your windshield wipers, you are now required to also turn on your headlights. The new law took effect January 29, 2007. This provision adds to the already existing requirement that headlights be used between sunset and sunrise and when visibility is below 1,000 feet. Motorists can be fined up to $100 per headlight offense. In addition, drivers also face fines of $200 to $1,000 if snow or ice from their vehicles injures or kills another person. This law also applies to commercial vehicles. A recent Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration Report concluded that the use of headlights during daylight hours reduces head-on collisions involving two cars by 5% and head-on collisions between a motorcycle and a car by 23%. If your vehicle isn’t equipped with daytime running lights, it may be a good idea to start using your headlights every time you drive, regardless of the weather conditions. For more information, visit the NHTSA website at www.NHTSA.dot.gov.
Menges, McLaughlin, & Kalasnik P.C.
www.YourLawFirmForLife.com
NOTE: The contents of this Newsletter are not intended to be, nor should they be taken as, specific legal advice as each situation is different. Please contact a lawyer with any questions you may have.
The Traffic Law attorneys at Menges, McLaughlin & Kalasnik, P.C. can help. Contact us now by calling, toll free, 1-866-464-5297.