New Mass. Law requires headlights be on whenever windshield wipers are on

The Massachusetts legislature has passed a new law (M.G.L.c.85, sec 15) effective April 7, 2015 requiring drivers to turn on their headlights whenever they turn on their windshield wipers.  

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS

Failure to turn your headlights on when your winshield wipers are on can result in a moving violation. The law also states that headlights should be in use 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset or when visibility is under 500 feet.  As a result of the new law, the list of surchargeable incidents has been amended to add these violations.  So if you are stopped and receive a ticket, you will also be charged with a moving violation on your driving record which will in turn increase your insurance premiums. 

So, as soon as you turn on those windshield wipers, be sure your headlights are on too….not only for everyone’s safety but because it is the law.