Title: An act relating to the use of day-time running lights at night.

Brief Description: Regulating day-time running lights.

Sponsors: Representatives Simpson and P. Sullivan.

Brief History:

Transportation: 2/7/05, 3/5/05 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 19 members: Representatives Murray, Chair; Wallace, Vice Chair; Appleton, Campbell, Dickerson, Hankins, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kilmer, Lovick, Morris, Nixon, Rodne, Sells, Simpson, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove and Wood.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Woods, Ranking Minority Member; Skinner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buck, Curtis, Ericksen and Shabro.

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

Current law requires drivers to use their vehicle's headlights from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and at any other time that environmental conditions or insufficient light prevents visibility of persons or vehicles from 1,000 feet.

Day-time running lights are designed to maximize a vehicle's visibility during daylight hours. The angle or spacing of day-time running lights can impair other drivers' vision when used at night. Day-time running lights are allowed by state and federal law; however, current law is silent on when they may and may not be used.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

Prohibits use of daytime running lights when headlights are required.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill:

• Clarifies that the day-time running lights that may not be used at night are dedicated day-time running lights and reduced intensity upper-beam head lights as defined by federal rule.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Day-time running lights are meant for maximum visibility during the day. Daytime running lights generally point upward, and when used at night they can impair other drivers' vision.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Simpson, prime sponsor; and Alan MacArthur.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.