SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6298

                    As of January 24, 1996

Title:  An act relating to vehicle headlights.

Brief Description:  Requiring headlights on when windshield wipers are used.

Sponsors:  Senators Sutherland and Bauer.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/24/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Gary Lebow (786-7304)

Background:  Current state law requires the headlights to be on one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise.  Headlights are also required to be on when, due to insufficient light or atmospheric conditions, visibility is less than 1,000 feet.

Alabama, Illinois, North Carolina and New York make specific reference to windshield wipers in their headlight usage statutes.

Summary of Bill:  Headlights are required to be on when the windshield wipers are in use.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.