SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5128

                    As of February 22, 1999

Title:  An act relating to vehicle headlights.

Brief Description:  Requiring headlights when wipers are used.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen and Prentice.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/24/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Paul Johnson (786-7839)

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

Eight states (Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) make specific reference to windshield wipers in their headlights usage statutes.

Summary of Bill:  Headlights are to be on when windshield wipers are used.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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