Brief Description: Regulating day-time running lights.

Sponsors: Representatives Simpson and P. Sullivan.

Hearing Date: 2/7/05

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 one thousand feet.

Daytime running lights are designed to maximize a vehicle's visibility during daylight hours. The angle or spacing of daytime running lights can impair other drivers' vision when used at night. Daytime 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 Bill:

Prohibits use of daytime running lights when headlights are required.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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