SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5067
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Transportation, February 19, 2007
Title: An act relating to vehicle headlights.
Brief Description: Requiring the use of headlights when windshield wipers are used.
Sponsors: Senator Jacobsen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/22/07, 2/19/07 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kilmer, Pflug and Spanel.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senators Marr, Vice Chair; Benton, Clements, Delvin, Holmquist, Kauffman and Sheldon.
Staff: Dory Nicpon (786-7321)
Background: Every motor vehicle operated on Washington highways must be equipped with working headlights and driver-controlled windshield wiper blades. Vehicles upon a Washington highway must display lighted headlights anytime from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and whenever persons or vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible to a distance of one thousand feet due to insufficient light or atmospheric conditions.
Summary of Bill: The circumstances when a vehicle must display lighted headlights are expanded to include anytime when the vehicle's windshield wipers are in use due to snow, rain, fog, or other sight-limiting atmospheric conditions.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.